MIKEL ARTETA is confident Victor Anichebe can capitalise on the opportunity presented by Everton’s striker crisis.

A raft of injuries mean Anichebe could be the only senior forward available to Goodison manager David Moyes for Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa.

Yakubu underwent surgery in London yesterday on the ruptured Achilles tendon in his right ankle that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

James Vaughan will be operated on by world-renowned knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado today to repair a cartilage problem and could be sidelined for up to three months.

And with Louis Saha struggling with a hamstring problem, Anichebe is in line to make only his fourth start of the season.

Arteta believes the 20-year-old Nigeria international can make the most of his chance.

“Victor has done really well when he’s come in,” said Arteta. “He creates good chances for himself just playing on his own up there. We’ve got two good players to play in front of the midfield in Felli (Marouane Fellaini) and Tim (Cahill). They get into the box and create a lot from those positions. Hopefully we can find the right way to play.”

Everton will be hoping to build on their 1-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday, in which Arteta was utilised in a central midfield role alongside Fellaini.

“It’s a long time since I played there,” said Arteta. “I needed to get used to it but I tried to help as much as I could and win balls. The result was fantastic. We needed a win.

“We were so disappointed with the way we played in the second half against Wigan and everybody was demanding more from each other.

“We put in a great effort, a great attitude – great football as well – and it gave us three points, so we’re happy.”

Goodison manager Moyes will look to bring in a striker on loan during next month’s transfer window as temporary cover.

A number of names are under consideration, including Sweden international Henrik Larsson and Portsmouth forward David Nugent.

Nugent almost joined Everton in the summer of 2005 while a Preston player and again was linked to Goodison 18 months ago before opting to make a £7million switch to Fratton Park.

However, the 23-year-old boyhood Evertonian has fallen out of favour on the South Coast and has played only 32 minutes this season.

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