Everton slammed over treatment of Vitaliy Mykolenko as Toffees face left-back problem
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Credit: Imago
Ciaran Morrison
Wed 3 September 2025 18:39, UK
Everton manager David Moyes may face a huge problem after the international break after the club were slammed for their treatment of defender Vitaliy Mykolenko.
After defeat at Leeds on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Everton have won back-to-back games against Brighton and Wolves.
Everton faced a tough transfer window bringing players into the club, but the arrivals of Jack Grealish from Manchester City and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea have strengthened their starting XI.
However, Moyes still lacks depth in certain areas of the pitch and an injury to a key player could be damaging.
Credit: Imago
Mykolenko missed Everton’s opening two matches of the season due to injury, returning to start against Mansfield in the League Cup and against Wolves in the space of three days.
As per Sport Witness [3 September], Mykolenko has had to pull out of the Ukraine squad due to a new injury which has occurred on international duty.
Ukraine are said to be furious with Everton for allowing Mykolenko to play 90 minutes in consecutive fixtures post injury.
Vitaliy MykolenkoStatsAppearances124Goals4Assists3Vitaliy Mykolenko’s stats in all competitions at Everton.
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The 26-year-old could face another spell on the sidelines, and Everton already have Adam Aznou out injured, limiting their options at left-back.
Football Insider Verdict
Moyes said during the summer that he needed bodies to beef up a thin squad, and despite some additions, Everton remain short in a couple of areas.
Midfielder James Garner stepped in at left-back against Leeds and Brighton, and the 24-year-old may have to do so again.
Whilst Garner impressed against Brighton, left-back is not his natural position and Mykolenko has cemented that role in the team.
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Moyes perhaps should not have rushed Mykolenko back from injury with this international break, and now the Ukranian could face a further setback.
Defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson are already on the sidelines, so any more injuries in defence would hurt Everton.