Neville joins Arteta on Everton sidelines

Everton FC captain Phil Neville faces a significant spell on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments during Sunday's Premier League loss at Fulham FC.

'Lengthy lay-off'
The former England defender, 32, was carried from the field on a stretcher in the 65th minute after sustaining the injury in a tackle with Fulham's Dickson Etuhu. Everton physiotherapist Mick Rathbone said: "An MRI scan has confirmed our fears and it has revealed that Phil has damaged ligaments at the back of his knee. It's too early to estimate length of absence but I fear he is certainly facing a lengthy lay-off."

Full-back problems
Neville's injury leaves manager David Moyes short of options at right-back ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League fixture against AEK Athens FC at Goodison Park. With Tony Hibbert suspended and John Heitinga ineligible, teenager Dan Gosling could make his European debut in the Group I opener. Meanwhile, Everton have confirmed that Spanish midfield player Mikel Arteta, out since February after damaging cruciate ligaments, will not return to training next week as anticipated after a specialist removed stitches in his knee to "ease the aggravation". Rathbone added: "It's a setback but it's only a blip. It's a case of weeks rather than months."