Arteta Can’t Wait

Mikel Arteta is delighted to be back in action after making the most of last weekend´s call-off at Tottenham.

The postponement of Everton´s opening day game at Spurs bought the Spaniard a bit of extra time as he recovered from a foot injury sustained in Philadelphia in July.

He came through almost 70 minutes of the Blues´ friendly clash with Bohemians on Monday evening and is now focused on helping Everton kick off their Premier League campaign in successful fashion.

“It was good to be back. We needed some football and it was a good idea for the manager to get us a game and get the fitness up ready for Saturday,” said Arteta.

“I feel better. I have trained really hard for the last week or 10 days with double sessions as well so hopefully it is going to be good.”

Last weekend´s scheduled clash at Spurs was postponed after riots in the city and Arteta says the Everton squad are increasingly keen to get going.

He insists they are focused on starting strongly, with QPR the first visitors to Goodison Park.

“I can´t wait to start the season, start winning and start differently to how we did last season,” he declared.

“You always focus on the first game but that was postponed for big reasons so we need to start with the next game.

“I think it was a good thing in the end because it gives us another week to get prepared, to get good sessions under our belts.”

To buy tickets for Everton´s game against QPR on Saturday, click here, call 0871 663 1878 or visit the Park End box office.