Everton FC midfield star Mikel Arteta relishing chance to take a breather

MIKEL ARTETA is relishing the chance to put his feet up this week before helping to kick-start Everton's bid for European qualification.The Spanish midfielder, who only returned to action in late January after a long-term knee injury, admits a hectic schedule has taken its toll.Back to back defeats at the hands of Sporting Lisbon and Tottenham have dented hopes of a strong finish to the season but Arteta remains bullish.And a blank week due to the international fixtures gives the Blues the chance to regroup ahead of Sunday's home clash with Hull City.'I've played eight games in the last 36 days after being out for 11 months so I'm a bit tired,' he said.'In the last 20 minutes against Spurs I was feeling tight everywhere.'I'll have a few days of rest and then we have 11 big games coming up.'We want to finish as high as possible so we have to win most of them, starting with Hull.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo