Everton have revealed that Gareth Barry suffered ankle ligament damage against Sunderland on Sunday that will rule him out for at least several weeks.

The 33-year-old was stretchered off in the early stages of Sunday's match at the Stadium of Light and it was first feared that he may have broken his leg.

However, the Toffees confirmed that there were no broken bones and tonight revealed the extent of the damage.

In a statement on the club website, the club said that Barry's ankle was still "very swollen" and that they are hoping the problem will keep him out of action for weeks, rather than months.

The defensive midfielder had played every minute in the Premier League for Everton this season before he was taken off on Sunday.