What we know about Vitaliy Mykolenko’s injury ahead of Leeds vs Everton
Everton fell to a 1-0 defeat to AS Roma in their final pre-season game, and they were handed a potential injury blow.
The Toffees played their first game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but failed to register their first goal at their new home.
Defender Vitaliy Mykolenko was the first player to be substituted at the new ground, as he was withdrawn with an injury complaint in the 12th minute of the game.
Everton already have a thin squad heading into the new campaign, and this could only add to their woes ahead of their first game against Leeds.
Mykolenko could miss Leeds clash
David Moyes’ team will face newly-promoted side Leeds United in their first game of the season, and could now be without their first-choice left-back.
Everton will travel to Elland Road in the hope that they will pick up three points to start their campaign, and a new signing may be forced into action.
- Mykolenko was Everton’s first-choice left-back.
- Backup Ashley Young joined Ipswich Town.
| Stat | Mykolenko |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
As per the Liverpool Echo (August 9), Mykolenko’s withdrawal was due to a potential groin injury he picked up, and Moyes was not sure that he would be fit in time to return immediately.
“Nothing yet. We’ll wait to see when the report comes back when we get a chance,” Moyes responded when asked about any injury news over Mykolenko.
Should he be ruled out, Everton only have one possible option to start at left-back.
- Read more: Dewsbury-Hall signing a masterstroke, fellow newbie struggling – three things learned vs Roma
Everton may need to throw Adam Aznou straight in vs Leeds
Everton signed teenage defender Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich earlier this summer as a defender who could compete with Mykolenko for a starting spot.
The 19-year-old is a big talent, but he would have ideally been eased into the team slowly, with Mykolenko starting the season.
However, if the Ukrainian cannot make the trip to Elland Road, Aznou will be thrown straight in at left-back, where he is likely to come up against the speedy Dan James.
Moyes will hope that Mykolenko is fit to start, but given his groin injury, he may be forced to watch from the sidelines, before Everton’s first Premier League home game against Brighton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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