Arteta to undergo surgery
-
Everton have confirmed Mikel Arteta is set for surgery next week after rupturing his cruciate ligaments against Newcastle on Sunday.
The Toffees midfielder has been pencilled in to go under the knife on Tuesday in Barcelona after being stretchered off after only seven minutes of the 0-0 draw against The Magpies.
Club physio Mick Rathbone revealed Arteta would be returning to his native Spain on Monday, but insists the player remains upbeat.
"We are going to Barcelona on Monday to see the knee specialist over there," he said.
"We think he will operate on Tuesday and we will take it from there.
"Mikel is a very mature, strong guy and he's already talking about the start of next season.”