Everton defender John Stones is eager to help snap their form slump.

The young England international injured his ankle against Manchester United back in October and only made his return on Boxing Day in the home defeat to Stoke City.

"My ankle is good," he told evertonfc.com. "I did get a bit of a knock on it the other day which has aggravated it slightly.

"I was gutted when I knew I wouldn't be going to the Newcastle game. It came as a bit of a shock as I had been out for so long, then I had got back into the team and then this happens. Hopefully it won't be too long and I will be back in the team.

"It is hard as I had come back and got through a full 90 minutes only for the injury to flare up again. It could have been a lot worse and I am lucky that it hasn't been. Hopefully I can be fit for the Hull game."