Everton FC News: Yobo absence from Greece gives Everton FC manager David Moyes a defensive headache

Dec 1 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Yobo absence from Greece gives Everton FC manager David Moyes a defensive headache

Everton FC News: DAVID MOYES has been handed yet another selection headache after Joseph Yobo was ruled out of tomorrow’s Europa League clash in Greece.

The Nigerian will miss the group game against AEK Athens after suffering a hamstring strain during the 2-0 derby defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

And with both Lucas Neill and John Heitinga ineligible, Everton manager Moyes faces another tricky decision over who to pair with Sylvain Distin at the heart of defence.

Tony Hibbert has previously deputised in that position earlier in the competition, with Dan Gosling filling in at right-back.

Moyes also has the option of using Jack Rodwell, the teenager having recovered from the groin strain which forced him off against Hull City last week and out of Sunday’s derby loss.

However, Leon Osman is still not considered fit enough for selection as he continues his recovery from a foot problem.

Hibbert will equal the club’s European appearance record of 19 games with an outing tomorrow night, a landmark currently shared by Colin Harvey and Brian Labone.