Antolin Alcaraz has said that Everton teammate John Stones needs to remain positive while recovering from an ankle ligament injury.

The England international is expected to miss up to 14 weeks with the injury, with Alcaraz in line to fill in during his absence.

The 32-year-old told the Daily Post: "It's going to be hard for John. I've been in his position and I know it's difficult to keep your head up in the days after it happens. He's started so well this season that he will be low at the moment.

"He has put in some very good displays but there's nothing he can do about it now. If he stays positive it will help him heal quicker. I can tell you it's not a good feeling for him right now. No player wants to spend every day in the physio room, especially for a young man with the first injury he's had.

"As for me I'll just work hard in training and keep going. As a player you prefer not to get a chance in this way, through a teammate being injured. He's got a very bright future ahead of him."

Everton currently sit 17th in the Premier League table.