Yakubu will be recalled to the Everton squad for the Toffees' UEFA Cup adventure at SK Brann tomorrow - but boss David Moyes is not prepared to forgive and forget.
The 25-year-old striker was omitted from Goodison boss Moyes' team for the 1-0 triumph over Reading at the weekend after failing to return on time from the Africa Cup of Nations.
And Sportsmail understands that Moyes, wary of the Nigerian's reputation for poor time-keeping when at Middlesbrough, demanded Yakubu's word that he would return from international duty promptly.
Moyes, whose side have progressed to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, is reportedly willing to recall his goal-getter for the trip to Norway even though he seems unwilling to forgive the striker for breaking his word.
Sportsmail also understands that Yakubu has apologised to his team-mates for going AWOL.
"We love The Yak," said goalkeeper Tim Howard. "He's been a hugely positive influence on us, not just with the amount of goals he has scored for the team but in the dressing room as well.
"Yes, these things happen but it has been dealt with and the manager has taken care of that. Now we all get on with it. Yak has spoken to us and the sooner we get past it, the better. Beating Reading was a great way to get past it."
Last week, Moyes said: "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 the squad for Saturday."
Yakubu has been a major success since his £11.25million move from Middlesbrough in August, scoring 12 goals as Everton moved into contention for a Champions League place and Moyes appears to have adopted a pragmatic stance on the matter.
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