Leighton Baines has been ruled out of Everton’s clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday, it has been confirmed.
Everton’s official Twitter account announced the news on Thursday, while it was also added that centre-back Phil Jagielka is a doubt after missing the club’s last two training sessions.
? | Leighton Baines ruled out, @PJags06 has missed the past two training sessions – but the rest of the squad fully fit ahead of Saturday's trip to @NUFC. #EFChttps://t.co/Onfj0jWJQS
— Everton (@Everton) March 7, 2019
Baines, 34, has not played since the 3-1 defeat to Wolves on February 2, and it seems as though his spell on the sidelines is set to go on for a while longer.
OPINION
Marco Silva would have been unlikely to play Baines in the game against Newcastle, even if he was fit, so his absence won’t be felt too hard by the Merseyside club. Lucas Digne is widely expected to start at left-back, but while Baines is out injured, Silva must be praying that the Frenchman avoids an injury of his own. Baines’ contract expires at the end of the season and it seems as though he is going to be on his way out of Goodison Park, so it is a shame for him to be injured so often in what are looking like his last few months as an Everton player. The ex-Wigan left-back has been a great servant for the Toffees and he is due a testimonial if he does leave, having played for the club for over 11 years. It will be interesting to see where Baines heads next in his career, and like Wayne Rooney, a move to MLS could be an option for the 34-year-old.