Source: Liverpool_Echo
Mikel Arteta hopes injury hell will be over in two months: Everton FC latest
Mikel Arteta _300[LNB]MIKEL ARTETA believes it could be another two months before he can join Phil Neville and James Vaughan in the Everton comeback camp.[LNB]The Basque star now looks like spending an entire year on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage during his side's goalless draw against Newcastle United in February.[LNB]A setback ruled out an expected return in October and although the 27-year-old is back in training, he does no expect to be in contention for several weeks.[LNB]'For the past few days I have been able to run at a good rhythm and I am starting to train with the rest of the squad,' said Arteta.[LNB]'I don't have pain in my knee. I expect to be back on the pitch in less than two months.'[LNB]The former Real Sociedad star admits he cannot wait to help his faltering side.[LNB]'It has been hell,' he said. 'I would spend eight to 10 hours a day just dedicated to recuperating. I was obsessed. But now, fortunately, I can say that everything is going well and all I want is to be with my team-mates and help the team.'[LNB]Meanwhile PHIL NEVILLE has revealed his delight after enjoying a successful return to action.[LNB]The Everton skipper made his comeback from injury as a substitute in Monday's 2-0 win over Burnley at Goodison Park.[LNB]It was Neville's first appearance since he suffered knee ligament damage at Fulham back in September and he came through the 30-minute run out unscathed.[LNB]Now the 32-year-old midfielder is hoping to line up against Carlisle United in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.[LNB]'The knee feels great,' Neville said. 'I had only trained for a couple of days before Monday so for me to actually be back involved was a little bit of a miracle.[LNB]'It was the biggest injury I've had in my career and I'm just thankful now that I'm back on the pitch doing what I enjoy most, playing football, and helping out the players and playing in front of those great fans.'[LNB]It's been a long road back to fitness for Neville, who had to undergo surgery on torn cartilage last month, and he believes he owes a major debt of gratitude to the club's medical team.[LNB]'I've been working really hard and we're lucky here at Everton that we've got unbelievable medical staff,' he added.
