Everton star Arteta still months away from making his comeback from injury

Mikel Arteta admits it could be another two months before he is ready to help ease the burden on Everton's stretched midfield. The Basque star looks like he will miss a whole year after suffering knee ligament damage during his side's goalless draw against Newcastle United in February. 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. Agony: Last season came to a premature end for Arteta at St James' Park'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. 'I don't have pain in my knee. I expect to be back on the pitch in less than two months.' The former Real Sociedad star admits he cannot wait to help his faltering side, who languish in 11th, 13 points off the top six in the Barclays Premier League. '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.' Midfield team-mate Diniyar Bilyaletdinov last week indicated he could do with a rest after playing through the spring and summer in the Russian Premier League ahead of his £10million summer move to Goodison Park. But boss David Moyes has been given little opportunity to rotate players, with versatile squad players Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling also still sidelined.   Everton boss Moyes faces battle with Atletico Madrid for Rennes star FanniJo-ho-ho: Man City's £19m flop Jo could get Christmas wish and return to CSKAEverton 2 Burnley 0: Forgotten man Vaughan fires Toffees out of sticky spotNo diving? As the tumbles continue, tell us who is the worst offender in the Premier League EVERTON FC

Source: Daily_Mail