Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta is remaining positive despite facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after rupturing his cruciate ligament in his knee.

"I get it [surgery] done on Tuesday and I start to think about the best way to recover, that is it," he said.

"It is a shame as the most important part of this season is coming up and I am going to miss it.

"But I have great faith in the lads, and they are right behind me as well and I really appreciate that."

A reason for Arteta's positivity include the impending birth of his child.

"I have got two things coming, I have a baby coming and I have a target - a target for coming back next season coming back fully fit and even stronger if I can," he added.

"It is hard to take it - but these things happen and maybe you cannot understand it, but maybe God is seeing whether you can be strong enough but I am going to be strong and work 24-seven to get back as quick as I can."