England international Leighton Baines is back in training

Leighton Baines has handed Everton an injury boost by returning to training earlier than expected.

Baines suffered an ankle injury in August while training for Everton's season-opener against Watford and has not played this season.

The England defender was forced to undergo surgery on the same ankle for the second time in three months but is now closing on a comeback.

"It is a big boost," manager Roberto Martinez told the club's website. "To have the opportunity to Leighton back from a long spell out has been great. For him to join the group this week, earlier than we expected is a really positive sign.

"Now we need to see how quickly he can get back to full fitness and how quickly he can be involved in the squad for selection.

"Naturally he is very fit and in great condition. The attitude of working hard and following the programmes of the medical department is important but I would highlight the natural condition. He has a terrific lifestyle and that allows him to be fitter, stronger and more ready to cope with treatments and injuries."

Bryan Oviedo is fit again following a knee ligament problems

Baines' return along with Bryan Oviedo's comeback from injury will provide competition for the left-back role currently occupied by Brendan Galloway, who has played in all but one of Everton's Premier League matches this season.

"That competition for places is exactly what we want," added Martinez. "It would be a really bad sign if we were desperate to have a player that has been out for so long back to play at the weekend.

"It's great credit to Brendan Galloway the way that he has been growing and enjoying his football, the same for Bryan Oviedo as well.

"It is a positive to have three players competing for one position. We all know that there are different roles and different opportunities but we want a strong squad. That has to be reflected in different players in that they could play throughout the team in different positions.

"Over the 10 months of the season the team benefits from players fighting for their places."