SEAMUS COLEMAN faces up to two months on the sidelines after scans revealed the Everton FC midfielder has torn a ligament in his right ankle.

Coleman suffered the injury after being on the receiving end of a poor challenge from Villarreal midfielder Carlos Marchena during Friday’s 1-0 home friendly defeat.

X-rays immediately after the game confirmed the Republic of Ireland international had not sustained a break, but further scans this week have revealed the tear.

The 22-year-old will visit a specialist in London in the coming days for a further assessment, but it is unlikely Coleman, who was in any case suspended for the opening game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, will be back in action until October.

Speaking on his Twitter account, Coleman said: “Disappointed to miss the start of season but injuries are part of football!

“Going to do everything possible to get back fit as soon as I can.. Got to stay positive!”

It is a bitter blow for David Moyes with the Everton manager already concerned over the fitness of Mikel Arteta, the Spaniard poised to sit out the trip to White Hart Lane as he nurses a foot injury.

Meanwhile, Sylvain Distin has opened talks with Everton over a new contract – and expects centre-back partner Phil Jagielka to still be alongside him this season.

Distin has started negotiations over an extension to his present deal, which expires at the end of the season. The 33-year-old has been a huge success at Goodison since being signed by David Moyes for £5.3million from Portsmouth two years ago.

And the Frenchman sees no reason to seek a new challenge given the strong team spirit at Everton.

“I want to stay here, I’m happy at Everton, and if I can do so then fine,” said Distin. “If I feel I have to change clubs then I will do it.