Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has suffered a setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury, manager David Moyes has confirmed.

The Spaniard snapped a cruciate ligament during a match against Newcastle United in February.

Arteta was expected to step up his rehabilitation in the next month, only to suffer an infection in the injury.

"We have had to wash out the knee," explained Moyes. "It is a setback but I cannot say for how long."

Moyes will be again down on numbers for the UEFA Europa League match against Benfica tomorrow at Goodison Park. John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are sidelined as they are both ineligible for the game.

Louis Saha (calf) and Tony Hibbert (flu) are doubtful, but Steven Pienaar could be on the bench after a knee problem. Leon Osman, Phil Neville, Phil Jagielka and Victor Anichebe remain absent.