London - Everton will be without midfielder Mikel Arteta for the rest of the season after he ruptured a knee ligament on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Spaniard suffered the injury just minutes into the 0-0 draw with Newcastle and was carried off the field on a stretcher.

Arteta has been one of the star players for Everton this season, scoring seven goals and setting up many others with precise set-piece deliveries.

Everton lie sixth in the English Premier League, in good position to chase a UEFA cup spot, and are still involved in the FA Cup. dpa