The England worldwide underwent surgery on the same ankle that he required surgery on in May, and will now be out of action for between 12 and 14 weeks according to the official site.
Advertisement
Martinez has therefore targeted Buttner to fill in for Baines, and are prepared to bring the 26-year-old Dynamo Moscow star to Goodison Park on loan.
Everton are refusing to rule out surgery on Leighton Baines’ latest injury.
A lay-off of around a month had been anticipated, but Everton confirmed on Thursday that the scenario is worse than first feared.
The 30-year-old damaged his ankle seven days ago in training and the Toffees were initially hopeful of a quick recovery.
The 22-year-old is, however, expected to face around six weeks on the sidelines.
Youngster Brendan Galloway started the game against Watford last weekend, while Costa Rican worldwide Bryan Oviedo is another, more senior, option.
Martinez, meanwhile, has completed the signing of Barnsley defender Mason Holgate, 18, for £1m. The 18-year-old follows the same route taken by John Stones into the Premier League but Martínez, who has reiterated that the Chelsea-target is not for sale, admits his new defender is not under pressure to make an immediate impact. “He is a young man with a very impressive future”.
Advertisement
“The previous surgery Leighton had means that is an extra sensitive part of his body, so it’s important we’re careful, but we’re going to get a clear idea of what the problem is and what to do next”. “He has been very impressive and is someone who can play in that position for us for a long time”.
