Mikel Arteta suffered a torn hamstring against Birmingham on Wednesday, it was revealed today. The Everton midfield had to be subbed-off 10 minutes from time at Goodison Park. Now comes word that the Spaniard will miss "a few weeks," according to Toffees' manager David Moyes, with a grade two hamstring tear.
A grade two hamstring tear, more severe in pain than normal hamstring injuries, usually take longer than a few weeks to heal. Characterized my more pain and swelling than the more common grade one version of the injury, a grade two hamstring tear could keep the injured person from fully extending their knee. Four to six weeks is a common time line for return.
If Arteta does miss significant time, he will be added to a growing list of important fitness issues for Moyes. The Everton manager has already lost Marouane Fellaini for the season with an ankle injury. Tim Cahill is out for two more weeks with a foot problem, and Phil Neville had to miss yesterday's match.
Arteta has featured in 25 of Everton's 29 league matches this season, one of Moyes's regular starters in central midfield. He has registered three goals and three assists.