Monday, 25th January 2010

Influential Everton player Mikel Arteta is finally back in the first-team mix after making a 15-minute cameo in the club’s 2-1 defeat to Birmingham in the FA Cup. Despite the disappointing result, the Spanish midfielder, who has been out since last February, is delighted to be back playing again.

“I have been away for a long time. I’ve been training hard to get back. I was feeling a bit strange on the pitch, it’s been a long time,” Arteta said in the Liverpool Echo. “It’s been difficult. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve had three operations for three different reasons, but hopefully the bad days are behind me now. Hopefully now I can start giving something to the team.”

The 27-year-old tore the cruciate ligaments in his knee against Newcastle in February and after 11 months and two setbacks, he has finally returned for manager David Moyes’ selection. Arteta is a very popular figure at the Merseyside club, and his return will be massive boost for the team and the supporters alike.

 

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