News on Yak and Mikel lifts spirit

Although the transfer window has closed, news on Yakubu and reports of Arteta’s imminent return from a long-term injury will be received as new signings, boosting morale at Goodison.

Influential Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta has been out since February after rupturing his cruciate ligament at St James’ Park in February during a heated Premier League battle.

The talented Spaniard will not be rushed back into first-team action, but according to manager David Moyes is nearing a return to training.

“Mikel’s doing well and there’s a chance that he can join in (training) with the other boys in maybe a week or two,” Moyes told the club’s official website. “But he will need reserve games before we can call on him.”

Everton are also treating Yakubu in a cautious manner after the striker made his first appearance in nine months in the club’s Europa League tie against Sigma Olomouc at the end of August.

The Nigerian, who ruptured his Achilles in November 2008, scored after only 30 seconds of a recent reserve game however Moyes is concerned that the former club record signing is not ready for the rigours of top flight football.

“Yak’s been out for nine months and he will have to get a lot of training and a lot of football under his belt before we feel he’s ready to start Premier League matches again,” Moyes said.

“He played 45 minutes for the reserves again this week but felt his hip and his back tighten up so we had to take him off.”

The Toffees have been plagued by a host of injuries over the past year and will be looking forward to the return of these players to help compete on multiple fronts. 

News on Anichebe and Jagielka is not as promising, although the England international and last season’s player of the year seems to be on track for a return in November. 

Nigerian forward Anichebe was on the end of a horrendous tackle by midfielder Kevin Nolan in February and is still some way of a return.

Head physio Mick Rathbone commented on the situation, “He has been making slower progress than we would have liked but the surgeon is pleased with the repair and these things take time.

“He is a young lad and we must make sure he comes back perfectly fit after such a serious injury.”

By Joshua Kepreotis