Source: Liverpool_Echo
Mikel Arteta’s delight at surprise return from injury for Everton FC at Blackburn
MIKEL ARTETA has revealed how his determination to get back playing again enabled him to make a surprise return from injury in Everton's thrilling 3-2 win at Blackburn.[LNB]The Spanish midfielder had missed the previous three games with a groin problem and looked set to sit out the rest of the season.[LNB]However, Arteta, who fought back to fitness in January after nearly a year on the sidelines with a knee injury, was desperate not to miss out on the Blues' push for Europa League qualification.[LNB]'I was playing with the injury for a few weeks, and after the Manchester City game I had a scan, which showed a tear,' he said.[LNB]'They told me it would be four to six weeks, but I really worked hard and in the end came back after three.'[LNB]Having returned to action earlier than expected, Arteta has admitted he was fortune not to have his season ended by suspension at Ewood Park.[LNB]He was involved in an ugly spat with Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen midway through the first half. Arteta appeared to poke his finger in the Norwegian's eye but referee Andre Marriner opted to only book both players.[LNB]The Blues star has apologised for losing his temper and knows he could have been dismissed and landed a three-game ban.
