Mikel Arteta says Everton are getting stronger by the day as the club's injury list clears.

The Spanish midfielder told evertonfc.com: "We want competition and the gaffer is saying how much competition we have. He is not just saying it, he means it. We have so many options with AJ coming back, Vaughany back, Tim Cahill back now and Steven Pienaar doing really well - there are so many players now. You know you have to play to a certain level.

"It is important to have the right number of players for all competitions so you can change players around and keep people fresh.

"Everyone wants to show they are good enough to be in the team. I think we are showing our character."