Everton Ace Mikel Arteta Out For Rest Of The Season

Everton have confirmed that Mikel Arteta's season is over.

The Toffees' influential midfield maestro ruptured his cruciate knee ligament during Sunday's Newcastle United stalemate at St. James' Park and, following subsequent scans, it became clear that the Spaniard would see no more action during the current campaign.

A statement on the club's official website reads, "Mikel Arteta has been ruled out of action for the rest of the season.

"[Arteta] was stretchered off after receiving treatment from Everton head physio Mick Rathbone and club doctor Ian Irving and was then en route back to Merseyside.

"Scan results have revealed that he has no chance of pulling on the jersey again this term.

"The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the Blues this term, making 31 appearances and netting seven goals."

Before he knew the extent of the damage, concerned gaffer David Moyes had said of the Toon draw, "The injury to Mikel is the biggest blow of all. We definitely missed his guile."

Indeed, he'll be without the playmaker's passing ability and set-piece wizardry for some time. Arteta has been in such good form for resurgent Everton this season that he recently wondered how the Spanish national team could keep overlooking him