The Everton left-back, who has 30 caps for the Three Lions, damaged his left ankle in training in the build-up to Saturday’s opening day 2-2 draw with Watford.
Baines had an operation in May to cure a long-running problem, but in a cruel twist of fate, the 30-year-old re-injured his ankle ligaments last week and his boss Roberto Martinez has not ruled out him going under the knife again.
“That has been a real disaster,” said Martinez following his side’s draw on Saturday.
'It was such a freak thing, he is devastated'
Roberto Martinez on Leighton Baines' injury
“He looked as if he was back to his best. It was such a freak thing, the ball hit him in exactly the same place as he had surgery. He is devastated.
“I have not seen him so powerful. It will not be two or three weeks, it will be longer than that. What is important now is that we support him. He had surgery to reinforce the ankle ligament and we don't know if he will need more surgery. We are waiting to find out.”
The news will come as a blow to England manager Roy Hodgson as he prepares for the upcoming qualifiers.
The Three Lions travel to San Marino on Saturday 5 September before they welcome to Switzerland to Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 8 September.
Tickets for the Swiss clash are available here.
