Everton boss David Moyes believes the form of midfielder Leon Osman has been a bright spot for the team in the midst of a crippling run of injuries.
Mikel Arteta has now been ruled out of the club's remaining two Barclays Premier League matches - at Arsenal on Sunday and Newcastle at home next weekend - with a long-standing stomach and groin problem.
That compounded previous long-term injuries to James Vaughan (knee) and Tim Cahill (foot) but Moyes preferred to see the positives in the shape of Osman rather than the problems in the treatment room.
"We have always thought he is a really good player," said Moyes, who takes his side to Emirates Stadium knowing Everton have not beaten the Gunners since January 1996 when Graham Stuart and Andrei Kanchelskis were on target in a 2-1 victory.
"He is a real good team player, he is getting much better and he is relishing it. He has been in the team now for five or six years now and is really thriving.
"Leon can play several roles for us, never bothers and just gets on with his job and for me he is a really good team player.
"He is one of our own boys, has earned a new contract by his form and has played in several different positions so that is why he is a valuable member of the squad."
Moyes was asked whether the 26-year-old could be a future Everton captain.
"He could well be," came the response.
"He has a lot of things going for him. He has a big heart, great ability and works very hard for the team."
Osman has played alongside both Phil Neville and Thomas Gravesen in central midfield this season and Moyes believes that has helped his development.
"I think Ossie would have developed himself without Phil or Tommy but, when you have these players, what he will have learned is the level of professionalism you have to have," added the Toffees boss.
"You can see that developing, which comes with maturity for young players. The more games they get, the more mature they get.
"They understand how they need to look after themselves and I think Ossie looks at Phil and sees a really good professional there."
After losing Arteta, Moyes has slight injury doubts over striker Andrew Johnson (calf) and midfielder Steven Pienaar (knee) ahead of tomorrow's game.
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