Seasons » 2015-16 » Everton News
Baines targets return against Aston Villa

The England fullback won't be joining team-mates John Stones and Ross Barkley in potential action for his country's two friendlies against Spain and France because of his managed recovery from ankle surgery but he and his club manager have their eye on the 21st November for his long-awaited return to action.
Aston Villa will be the visitors to Goodison Park that weekend when the Premier League programme resumes and Baines hopes to make his first competitive appearance since April.
having now returned to full training, he will be given the chance to prove his fitness during two friendly matches at Finch Farm against as-yet unnamed opposition.
“If he comes through [both games] he will be fit for the Aston Villa game," Martinez explained. "He needs to play two games before.
“It is not mental 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.”
Reader Comments (23)
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2 Posted 06/11/2015 at 02:11:45
I have hopes that Pienaar can come back into the team at some point, but maybe, long-term, it's Cleverley that could provide Baines with that much needed support down the left.
Also, I sincerely hope Baines has been practicing his set pieces while he's been getting back to fitness. He went from world class to abysmal in the space of 12 months. In his absence, I can count on one hand the number of times Barkley has beaten the first man with his corners. Such a basic skill that we seemingly neglect.
Come on Bainsy! Back to your best please!
3 Posted 06/11/2015 at 03:26:45
4 Posted 06/11/2015 at 04:28:59
5 Posted 06/11/2015 at 08:41:59
He is a big lad so should be trying to get on the end of them.
6 Posted 06/11/2015 at 09:01:32
Baines should get back in if Galloway has a dip in form or is unavailable for whatever reason; not before.
7 Posted 06/11/2015 at 11:13:18
I'd like to think it could become part of his game when necessary but I certainly wouldn't be wasting his talents by throwing balls into the box at him. Have you seen him in our own box for corners?
8 Posted 06/11/2015 at 14:08:49
Interesting to note that Funes Mori was converted to centre-back during his three academy years with River Plate. His original position was defensive central midfielder where he scored goals and started counter attacks.
Playing DM for his Championship winning College team, they won 12 out of 13 and he scored 14 goals with 17 assists.
9 Posted 06/11/2015 at 14:19:22
10 Posted 06/11/2015 at 14:29:39
We will then have somebody who can take free kicks around the 18-yard box.
11 Posted 06/11/2015 at 15:18:16
Howard
Coleman, Stones, Galloway, Baines
McCarthy, Funes Mori
Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone
Lukaku
Although, I'd really like to see this:
Howard
Coleman, Stones, Galloway, Baines
Funes Mori (or McCarthy or Barry)
Deulofeu, Barkley, Mirallas
Lukaku, Kone
12 Posted 06/11/2015 at 16:04:42
13 Posted 06/11/2015 at 16:50:17
Pretty sure Roberto said the latest injury was caused by Leighton being kicked right on the surgically-repaired part of his ankle. It's part and parcel to get your ankles kicked. It's going to happen again, without a doubt. His straight-line speed, cutting, and free kicks will all be affected.
Combined with all the miles on his legs at his age, I think Baines's time as one of the best LBs in Europe has passed.
14 Posted 06/11/2015 at 22:15:01
Re Funes Mori, I don't see him as midfielder, but as the Jags replacement – he's a genuine left-sided player whereas neither Jags nor Stones are, and his distribution is much better than Jagielka's, who I believe is still of value to the club.
15 Posted 07/11/2015 at 21:36:34
16 Posted 08/11/2015 at 12:02:57
17 Posted 08/11/2015 at 12:30:06
Galloway is a bonus but he's really a CB, Garbutt has potential, but still, in the long term, unproven. Oviedo was bought as a Baines replacement, but due to injury may never hit the heights he once did.
Short version; the LB position is not as well covered as we thought it was.
18 Posted 08/11/2015 at 12:49:54
With two great young left backs (Galloway and Garbutt) ready to step up I'd love to see Bainesy and Oviedo getting a chance in MF. Be brave Roberto.
19 Posted 08/11/2015 at 21:55:05
20 Posted 08/11/2015 at 22:08:08
Some truly bizarre opinions on here like playing Galloway at right back, the lad can barely stand on his right foot let alone use it! A promising defender, of that I've no doubt... but he is still a long way off being a regular starter. He was startled by West Ham and Man City before that.
21 Posted 08/11/2015 at 22:18:39
Oviedo would've been the natural sub for Bainesy but that wasn't to be. Still, I think young Brendan has been magnificent and he has a great career ahead of him.
22 Posted 08/11/2015 at 22:27:35
I saw him a lot in the U21s last year and picked him out as the next to break into the first-team as he looked a class above the rest, and that was playing mainly in the centre of defence. It will be interesting to see which position he ends up in as he still has a lot to learn and will develop physically.
23 Posted 08/11/2015 at 22:53:00
Funes Mori is getting better and I am sure he will form a good partnership with Stones as the season progresses.
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1 Posted 05/11/2015 at 23:38:44
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