Hibbert picked up the injury against Arsenal

Everton defender Tony Hibbert could miss the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 27-year-old Liverpool-born full-back damaged his knee ligaments against Arsenal in the penultimate game of last season.

His leg had been placed in a brace for the last six weeks in an attempt to avoid the need for surgery.

The club have decided to operate now as they feared delaying the procedure would prolong Hibbert's absence.