Everton's Mikel Arteta will return to his homeland of Spain to receive surgery on his seriously injured knee.

The 26-year old will have an operation to repair his ruptured cruciate ligament and is expected to be out for up to six months.

Toffees head physio Mick Rathbone says Arteta will only get the best treatment in a bid to recover fully.

"We use three surgeons - the best in Britain, the best in Europe and the best in America," he told the club's official website.

"Clearly it suits Mikel to use the Spanish guy and he is very happy with the choice. We're looking at him being out for about six months. We don't want to hurry Mikel."