9 October 2014 14:14
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed John Stones requires surgery on his injured ankle and is facing 10-14 weeks out.
Stones damaged ligaments during Everton’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend and was taken off on a stretcher at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old was subsequently withdrawn from England’s squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia, Arsenal’s Calum Chambers taking his place.
Everton have now revealed Stones is set for a lengthy lay-off, with an operation required to ensure he returns to full fitness.
A statement on the club’s official website read: “Roberto Martinez has revealed that John Stones’ injury requires surgery and expects the defender to be out for 10-14 weeks.”
Stones’ absence adds to the defensive problems at Goodison Park, with Seamus Coleman and Sylvain Distin having been absent in recent weeks.
Distin (knock) has not featured since Everton’s defeat to Swansea City in the League Cup on September 23, while Coleman picked up hamstring and head injuries in a 4-1 win over Wolfsburg five days earlier.