Uefa Cup Round of 32, first leg: David Moyes will give Yakubu Ayegbeni a chance to atone for his African Cup of Nations vanishing act against Brann tonight, a decision born of necessity and not forgiveness as the Everton manager pursues his final prospect of silverware this season.

SK Brann v Everton Venue: Brann Stadion, Bergen, Norway Kick-off: 7pm On TV: Setanta Ireland

The Nigerian was, uncharacteristically, present and correct at Liverpool John Lennon airport yesterday but the sight of Mikel Arteta boarding a flight to Spain at the same time illustrated the lack of options available to Moyes for the match against the Norwegian champions.

Arteta has been troubled by a groin injury for several weeks and travelled to see a specialist in his homeland after aggravating the problem during Saturday's unconvincing victory over Reading.

But with Manuel Fernandes also travelling despite a similar injury and Steven Pienaar still absent with an ankle problem, Moyes had no alternative but to bring Yakubu back in from the cold.

"Yak's back in and it's done with now, that episode has ended," said the Everton manager, who fined the €15 million striker two weeks' wages, €110,000, and banished him from the Reading game after his delayed return from Ghana last week.

"I just hope he feels he has a point to prove because he let us down by not coming back on time. We've moved on now, but he will be important because he is one of those with European experience and that's vital. This will be a tough game in any circumstances, but with injuries it is going to be a struggle getting a team out."

Everton have put no timescale on Arteta's absence but his loss will be felt by a side that has struggled for form in recent weeks despite holding on to fourth position in the Premier League. Another problem for Moyes is the lack of information his scouting team have been able to gather on Brann, although the reason could prove a help more than a hindrance.

The Norwegians last played a league game on November 4th last year and in the three months since winning the title have competed in just three Uefa Cup group ties.

Yesterday the former Leeds United midfielder Erik Bakke was appointed captain for next season, which does not commence until March 30th.

The host nation has been captivated by the possibility of an all-Norwegian tie in the last 16, with either Everton or Brann drawn to play the winners of Fiorentina's tie against Rosenborg in the next round.

• Guardian Service