Everton defender Joseph Yobo is a doubt for Sunday's visit of Stoke after he missed the Europa League victory over BATE Borisov with a thigh injury.

Midfielders Jack Rodwell (illness) and Steven Pienaar (knee) did not travel to Belarus but manager David Moyes is hopeful both will recover in time to face the Potters.

Defenders John Heitinga and Lucas Neill, ineligible against Borisov, and Louis Saha, serving a European suspension, all return.

Everton manager David Moyes believes his players thrive in adversity and are relishing the challenge of competing at home and abroad this season.

The Toffees boss saw another display of character when a depleted side came from behind to beat Europa League opponents BATE Borisov 2-1 on Thursday.

He expects that to be carried through into the match at home to Stoke despite issues over fatigue.

"I am always looking for high standards. I thought we could have played even better against Borisov and I am still looking for improvement," said Moyes.

"But the biggest positive for me was coming back from a goal behind on a horrible night in Europe when the players' minds will undoubtedly have been on the Premier League knowing we didn't have the strongest players on the bench to back them up.

"We showed tremendous courage to go on and win the game. It is what the players have done here [in the past].

"They know it is what I expect of them when they come here and I think they thrive on the responsibility of it."

In the last few years the likes of Bolton, Aston Villa and, this season, Fulham have opted to play weakened teams on their travels in Europe as their focus remains the Barclays Premier League.

Moyes, however, is desperate to do well and despite a number of injuries and other absentees he will continue to put out his best side - even if they have to make compromises on their return to domestic action.

"I'm delighted to be in Europe and I'm going to try to stay there as long as I can," said Moyes.

"We understand how much it takes out of the players with the speed the Premier League is played at so we have to be mindful of that but these games are what we want.

"It is never easy but I don't know if it is any different from when I was a Championship manager.

"Then you might have a game at Ipswich or Southampton on a Wednesday night and have to drive up on the coach and not get back until two or three o'clock in the morning and you still had to play on a Saturday.

"We would have liked more preparation time because when you play a very competitive side like Stoke you have to be ready but I tell the players that we have to go and do it again."

Striker Ricardo Fuller is Stoke's only serious injury concern.

The Jamaican international played no part in last weekend's defeat by Manchester United after damaging his groin against Blackpool in the Carling

Cup.

James Beattie will be ready to face one of his old clubs after recovering from knee and ankle injuries and Liam Lawrence should also be available after undergoing a course of injections for a persistent back problem.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis wants his team to bounce back from defeat at the hands of United.

The Potters travel to Everton with the manager hoping his team do not suffer "second-season syndrome".

Pulis' side surprised almost everyone last season when they made a mockery of their status as relegation favourites.

But the respect Stoke earned by finishing 12th has had its repercussions, with opponents better prepared for them this time around.

Pulis said: "Chelsea and Manchester United both fielded very strong teams against us and I'm sure other top sides will do the same.

"There is a different attitude to us this season and our opponents are giving us the respect we deserve. They are better prepared.

"That was bound to happen in our second season in the Premier League and what we have to do is lift ourselves and rise to the challenge.

"Second-season syndrome was always going to have an effect and I knew that before a ball had been kicked."