Yakubu Ayegbeni has been left out of Everton's squad to face Reading on Saturday after reporting back late from the African Cup of Nations.

Nigeria were eliminated from the African Cup of Nations last Sunday and Yakubu and fellow countryman Joseph Yobo were expected back at the club in midweek.

Yobo returned but manager David Moyes is upset with Yakubu for not providing an explanation for his absence.

The former Middlesbrough man, who is now back at the club, has reportedly been hit with an £80,000 fine.

Moyes told the club's official website: "All I would say is that it is an internal matter. Yak has been in this morning, I have spoken to him and he won't be included in tomorrow's squad."

Top scorer Yakubu's absence is hardly what the doctor ordered for Everton, who have not scored in their last three games.

Victor Anichebe, Steven Pienaar, Anthony Gardner and Thomas Gravesen are all out injured, while Leighton Banes is rated doubtful.

However, Tim Cahill has been included in the squad despite his midweek trip to Australia.

His own fault all he had 2 do was go back like Yobo its not difficult. Fair play to Moyes maybe Yakubu will know realise to stop messing his club around

Aye, I suppose it is all good and well trying to teach him a lesson, but their position end of season could be changed by this. It's the whole team that suffers.

so what he's played in the Africans nations. That's his job. If he was tired he could of had a work with moyes and they should of come to an agreement. Footballs have it hard don't they will the amount they earn...not.

Yeah but thats his job. don't meen he can return to his club who pay his wages when he feels like it

Yeah i know wasnt having ago at you was just saying lol