Tom Cleverley spent last season on loan at Aston Villa

Tom Cleverley: Everton midfielder out with ankle ligament injury

Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley faces a spell on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments, although his injury is not as serious as first feared.

England international Cleverley, 26, was carried off during the 0-0 draw at Tottenham on Saturday after a challenge with Eric Dier.

There was initially concern he may have suffered a broken bone.

"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."

Cleverley joined Everton from Manchester United on 1 July, having spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.