BEN GODFREY is expecting to return to the field within two months as he recovers from a fractured fibula.

The York-born defender sustained the injury less than 18 minutes into Everton’s 1-0 opening day defeat at home to Chelsea in the Premier League last month.

Godfrey later underwent surgery and is now targeting a return to the field by around either November or December.

"It's going really well," the former York City man said. "Obviously, it's tough to be missing out on playing but it's part of the game.

"Things are going well in terms of the injury. Every day I'm improving and I'm just looking forward to being back.

"Mentally, it's tough. As players, football is all we know so for that to be taken away it's difficult to deal with - but I'm lucky that I've got good people at the club, my team-mates, family, friends.

“Everyone has kept me going, reminding me that it's only a temporary thing and I'll be back soon.

"I want to thank the fans for the messages of support I've had and not only them but there have been lots of people in football who have reached out.

"Thank you for the positive messages, it definitely helps.

"When will I be back? I'm playing it by ear. It'll be a couple of months but I'm just taking each day at a time and when it's right, it'll be right.”

Once fit again, the centre-back faces extra competition for a return to the Everton starting 11, having seen the Toffees loan in Conor Coady following his injury, bolstering a position which already contained summer recruit James Tarkowski.

"They're great additions, good guys and good footballers,” added Godfrey. “You don't need me to say that because we've all seen them over the years and how good they've been.

"We've made massive improvements in terms of the personality and additions to the squad.

"They're great guys to be around and we'll use every bit of that. They'll help us kick on."