Ronald Koeman suggests Leighton Baines could return for Everton

Everton are due to face West Ham United in Premier League action next weekend.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman

Ronald Koeman has told Everton’s official website that Leighton Baines could come back into his team this weekend, for his side’s match against West Ham United.

Baines has been out since the middle of September, since he picked up a hamstring injury.

However, the full-back is expected to return to training this week, and Koeman has suggested that the England international could come back into his first-team plans.

Everton's Leighton Baines takes a penalty that results in an own goal by Stoke City's Shay Given

“I hope he will do some training next week and maybe he can be ready for the weekend,” Koeman said.

Bryan Oviedo has come in at left-back for Everton, with Baines on the sidelines.

Baines has suffered with a series of injuries in recent times, meaning he has had to miss a large amount of action.

Everton's Leighton Baines receives treatment after sustaining an injury

The 31-year-old has only played five times for Everton in the Premier League this term, but the Toffees have been unbeaten when he has been on the pitch.

In Baines’ absence, Everton’s form has dipped – and they have now failed to win any of their last five matches.

Everton are currently in sixth place in the Premier League table, but the pressure is rising on them to get back to winning ways quickly.

General view outside the stadium before the match - Goodison Park