Arteta, 27, is looking to retain his place in the side against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League at Goodison Park.

The Spaniard made his first start in almost a year last week in the superb victory over Chelsea. He is likely to be called on again in the first leg of the round of 32 as Marouane Fellaini is recovering from an ankle injury.

Arteta said: "When I returned it felt like I had never played in my life. I had to get prepared for the game at home and think about the way I had to eat and rest.

"Then I would come here to pick up my shin pads and boots...the pace of the game, it was awkward.

"It is going to take a while to get to my best but with the passion I have for every game hopefully that will compensate a bit."

Arteta says keeping a clean sheet is top priority in the first leg with Sporting.

"It's a great chance and we need to go through - it's going to be unbelievable," Arteta told the club's official website. "We're playing at home first, so we know that we can't concede any goals. But we have the experience and let's focus on that.

"The Chelsea game was unbelievable. It was a great atmosphere and a great win for the lads, for the confidence and for me a really nice moment as well."

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