Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta admits he is delighted to finally be back in action for Europa League hopefuls Everton after almost a year on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The Toffees ace came off the bench in the weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Birmingham at Goodison Park and is now eager to play his part between now and the end of the season.

After a poor start to their Premier League campaign and being dumped out of both domestic cups, Everton’s only chance of silverware comes in the Europa League where they have been drawn against Sporting Lisbon in next month’s round of 32 (Everton 4/5 To Qualify).

Arteta injured knee ligaments against Newcastle last February and is delighted to be back although he was less happy to see the side’s FA Cup hopes dashed by the Blues.

He told the Post: “I was so excited just to be on the bench. But we didn’t get the result we wanted. We wanted a long run in the FA Cup again, but for me personally it has been a good day because hopefully the bad days are behind me now.

“It’s been difficult. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve had three operations for three different reasons.

“It’s a part of football and sometimes when you are out you can see things differently. Hopefully now I can start giving something to the team.”