Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has suffered a setback in his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament problem after picking up an infection.
The 27-year-old Spaniard, who sustained the injury in February, recently had to undergo another procedure on his knee.
"Mikel has needed to have a 'wash-out' on his knee after doctors found an infection," said manager David Moyes.
"It is a setback for him. However, at the moment we can't say how long it has put him back."
Arteta, one of Everton's key players, fell awkwardly only three minutes into the Toffees' 0-0 draw against Newcastle at St James' Park on 22 February.
606: DEBATE" Heard he could need a third op... could be out until spring "
He underwent surgery in Barcelona and was expected to be out for six months but his rehabilitation has taken longer than was first expected.
Arteta has been a huge loss to Everton - he scored seven goals in 31 appearances last season and they have struggled without his creativity from midfield, lying 13th in the Premier League.
He signed for the Goodison Park club from Real Sociedad for £2m in July 2005.
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Football on the BBC
Everton fans' views on 606
BBC Liverpool sport
Everton weather
BBC Sport Premier League
Everton
Fifa
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~53~RS~)