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It was the eve of the new Premier League season, but for Everton the news was not good.

Leighton Baines, the Blues’ most consistent performer for many a year, had broken down in training, his ankle damaged as he attempted a routine block.

The prognosis wasn’t good. The injury would require surgery, keeping the England man out for up to three months. With Bryan Oviedo battling his own fitness issues, and with Luke Garbutt having departed for Fulham on loan (and then got injured himself), it was, said Roberto Martinez, “a real disaster.”

In Baines’ absence, it has been Brendan Galloway who has stepped up to the plate. The teenager’s performances – assured, confident, positive – have been one of the best things about Everton’s season so far.

Now, though, Baines is closing in on his return. The 30-year-old is back training with the Blues’ first team, and should be ready for action later this month.

For Martinez, it is a timely boost. Especially given Oviedo’s latest woes, and the absence of Phil Jagielka, which has given Everton’s backline a rather callow look of late.

Creative fulcrum

It has long been accepted that Baines, although ostensibly in the side as a defender, has operated as Everton’s main creative outlet for many years now.

Last season was, by his own high standards, something of a dip. And yet the numbers continue to prove his influence.

In Premier League matches, he made almost twice as many key passes (62) as any other Everton player, recording nine assists. Defensively, he scored well for tackle success (58%), take ons (53%) and errors leading to goals (zero).

Without him, Everton have needed to adapt quickly. Galloway’s form has been good, and his potential is obvious, but he simply does not carry the same all-round game as his more senior colleague.

It has meant the Blues have needed to utilise the talents of others – Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu in particular – rather than relying on a steady stream of quality from their left flank.

Nothing wrong with that, of course. Variety is the spice of life. But ask Romelu Lukaku, for example, whether he misses Baines’ supply line, and you know what the answer would be. In many ways, it has been a surprise that more has not been made of his absence. Perhaps, indeed, that is the greatest compliment one could pay Galloway.

Galloway set to take centre stage

For Galloway, Baines’ recovery will mean a return to “squad” duties.

The 19-year-old has performed admirably during a challenging period, and is in line to be rewarded for his progress with a new contract. Though he was left out in favour of Oviedo for the win over Sunderland on Sunday – replacing the luckless Costa Rican in the first half – he should be proud of the way he has acquitted himself in this, his first ‘full’ season in the top flight.

The feeling at Everton is that Galloway’s future lies in the centre of defence – though his potential in a holding midfield role have also been noted – and it will be interesting to see if Jagielka’s absence offers him any opportunities in that position, perhaps in the League Cup trip to Middlesbrough for example.

There is no question that the England U20 international is one for the long-term, and having the likes of Baines alongside him day in, day out can only benefit him.

For Everton, meanwhile, it will be good just to welcome back one of their star men. If their start to the season could be best described as “mixed”, then the return of their most consistent performer can only help matters.