Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta is to undergo surgery early next week in his homeland Spain on his ruptured cruciate knee ligaments. It has been reported that the surgeon who operated on Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas when he suffered his own knee problem will be responsible for Arteta's care.

Everton physio Mick Rathbone told the club's official website: "We are going to Barcelona on Monday to see the knee specialist over there.

"We think he will operate on Tuesday and we will take it from there.

"Mikel is a very mature, strong guy and he's already talking about the start of next season."