Leighton Baines signed a 12-month contract extension at Everton over the summer and was named in the 25-man Premier League squad, but he hasn’t been seen in any league games this season.
The 34-year-old was left out of the matchday squad against Crystal Palace (August 10), Watford (August 17), Aston Villa (August 23), Wolverhampton Wanderers (September 1) and Bournemouth (September 15).
Baines was an unused substitute against Lincoln City (August 28) in the EFL Cup, but he’s spent the campaign on the periphery. Despite his ongoing absence in games, the left-back is still training and available for selection – he was pictured with the players ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth.
Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman are first-choice at left-back and right-back respectively while Djibril Sidibe can provide cover on both flanks. Silva isn’t going to name two fullbacks on the bench in games, so Baines has been missing out to the 27-year-old.
He made only eight appearances last season, racking up just 556 minutes of playing in all competitions, so Baines should be used to his subsidiary role at Everton. Supporters may see the England international if Sidibe is forced to cover an injury in defence, but time will tell if he’ll get on the pitch.