Mikel Arteta

By Big Andy
July 18 2009

Everton’s Mikel Arteta is closing in on a return to action but the player will not be making the mistake of rushing back to early.

Arteta has been out of action since tearing cruciate ligaments at Newcastle in February, but he is expected to return early in the new season.

And although Everton would be glad to get his services back, he has been ruled out of being fit for the start of the season.

With this being the third serious injury that the 27-year-old has now suffered to the same knee, he says it is vital he is fully rehabilitated before returning.

Arteta said: "It's going well. It has been a long injury, six or seven months out, so there are always ups and downs during that period.

"But it looks good and it's reacting well to the treatment we are doing. Slowly, day by day, I know it is getting better and that makes me happy.

"You learn with this injury that the knee reacts differently every day. I'm doing everything, working six, seven, eight hours a day on my knee to get back as soon as possible.

"Obviously I want to hurry but I know that is a big risk. I don't want to set any dates, I just want to go day by day. If it's the first game (of the season), it's the first game. If it's the fifth game, it's the fifth game. It will be whichever it is."