sport news

David Moyes will again have to field a below-strength Everton outfit for their Europa League return match against Benfica on Thursday at Goodison Park.

Holland stopper John Heitinga and Australia defender Lucas Neill are both ineligible for the Group I game while problems surround other key performers.

Louis Saha (calf) and Tony Hibbert (flu) are doubtful but Steven Pienaar could be on the bench after a knee problem as Moyes's men seek to avenge a 5-0 hammering in Lisbon.

Benfica travel to Merseyside with doubts over left-back C?r Peixoto and attacking midfielder Carlos Martins.

The pair missed the 2-0 defeat at Braga with injury, but Oscar Cardozo, who was sent off in the same game, is available as his two-match ban does not apply to European competition.

Certain to pull the Eagles' midfield strings is former Real Madrid starlet Javi Garcia - a rumoured target for Moyes.