Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley has been ruled out of action with an ankle ligament problem, but the injury isn’t as bad as first feared, according to the BBC.

The 26-year-old had to be stretchered off just before half-time against Tottenham on Saturday evening after being on the receiving end of a scissor tackle from former Everton youth player, Eric Dier.

There were fears that Cleverley had actually broken his leg, but scans and tests have proved that not to be the case.

“We have mixed feelings because we feared the worst when that challenge happened,” said boss Roberto Martinez.

“We thought it was a fracture and to have a fracture at this stage of the season would have been devastating for Tom because his form has been terrific.

“He has got ligament damage and the next step will be to see how long he is going to be out. But clearly it’s good news from when we saw Tom falling to the ground.”

Former Manchester United man Cleverley has been in fine fettle this season and has impressed in his short time at Goodison Park.

The versatile Englishman is expected to be out for up to two months.