Mikel Arteta is on target for a return to the Everton lineup in October. The Spanish playmaker has been out since Febuary after rupturing a cruciate knee ligament. He is however, nearing a return to training in a fortnight according to Toffee’s boss David Moyes…

“Mikel’s doing well and there’s a chance that he can join in (training) with the other boys in maybe a week or two.”

Moyes will apparently look to give Arteta some reserve games to help him work his way back to match fitness but a return around early-to-mid October looks on the cards. In fantasy terms, his return will be significant, not just because he brings a new mid-price midfield alternative but also because his presence on the pitch is likley to have an impact on the returns of Leighton Baines. The left-back has, in Arteta’s absence, benefited from points gained at set-plays and penalties.

Moyes also brought us news on the progress of striker Yakubu. The Nigerian has been out since November with an Achilles injury and, although he has appeared as a sub and in reserve games this season, he is being eased back into action by the Everton boss….

“Yak’s been out for nine months and he will have to get a lot of training and a lot of football under his belt before we feel he’s ready to start Premier League matches again. He played 45 minutes for the reserves again this week but felt his hip and his back tighten up so we had to take him off. We have to understand that he has been out for a long time.”

It could be some time before Yakubu presents himself as a fantasy option. His return will of course increase the rotation options up front for Moyes, with Saha and Jo coming under increased threat. Particularly if Moyes persists with a 4-5-1 formation.