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.”