Everton have confirmed that Mikel Arteta is out for the rest of the season following the injury in yesterday’s game at Newcastle. The club have confirmed that Arteta has ruptured his cruciate knee ligament.

It goes without saying that this is a massive blow for Arteta and Everton – and although our fantasy football considerations pale into insignificance in comparison, on this particular website we must nonetheless mull over the effects of this injury on our lineups and plans…

Arteta is without doubt the creative force in the Everton lineup and without him, their pattern of play and attacking potential will be greatly disrupted. Even though their forthcoming fixtures are kind (WBA bla STK por WIG), I see the loss of Arteta is likely to have a major impact on output of their players not only in attacking terms, but possibly defensively too. Investment in Everton players must now be considered carefully.

One potential positive effect from Arteta’s absence in fantasy terms will be the reassigning of set-pieces. Duties are now likely to be spread amongst Pienaar (when fit) for indirect set-plays, while Jagielka could now take on the responsibility of direct free-kicks, possibly along with Baines. Penalties meanwhile, will likely fall to Jo, although Jagielka is also a proven spot-kick taker from his Sheffield United days.