A hamstring strain will ensure that there is no place for Joseph Yobo in the Everton starting line-up for the crunch match against AEK in Athens. The 29-year old defender has failed to recover from the injury sustained during Sunday’s loss to local rivals Liverpool.

 

The Toffees will also be without Lucas Neill and John Heitinga through ineligibility and Leon Osman with a foot injury.

Manager David Moyes has once again stated his determination to stay at the club despite the on and off-file issues. With injuries threatening to derail a second consecutive campaign, and the announcement of a £6.7M loss coming fresh on the heels of the rejection of their plans for a new stadium, retaining the services of a man considered to be one of the best in the game is essential to the club. The recent comments from chairman Bull Kenwright were welcomed by Moyes who maintains his desire to succeed on the blue side of the Mersey is still strong.

"I've said all along that this is a great job, I really enjoy it and I intend to see it through until the very end," said the scot.