Roberto Martinez reveals Everton plan to relaunch career of England star

Baines has missed the whole season since injuring his ankle in May

EVERTON will arrange two behind-closed-doors matches for Leighton Baines to relaunch his career after six months out.

 

Baines has been out since May after undergoing two separate ankle operations both caused when the joint was hit by the ball as he blocked crosses.

The England left-back is training with Roberto Martinez’s first team again, but will not be considered for Saturday’s trip to West Ham.

Instead, Everton want Baines to bolster his fitness and regain his confidence in practice matches during the international break.

 

Baines will be hoping to win back his England place and add to his 30 caps at Euro 2016 next year

“If he comes through them both, he will be fit for the Aston Villa game,” said Martinez. “He needs to play two games before.

“It is not a mental issue, but you are testing your body and wondering whether it is going to react well or not because twice before it didn’t.

“Physically, he is a machine the way he has been training.”