Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko was injured on Ukraine duty [Credit: @JaworskyjM on X]

Everton face 'major headache' as footage emerges of Vitaliy Mykolenko injury on Ukraine duty

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelance writer and broadcaster in various sports.

Published on:

11 Jun 2024, 2:32 pm

Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko has sustained another injury while on international duty with Ukraine.

X user @JaworskyjM posted footage of Mykolenko sustaining the injury during the first half of Tuesday's (11 June) 4-0 friendly win over Moldova.

Liverpool Echo reporter Joe Thomas replied to the post on X [11 June], raising the point that the defender only recently returned to action from an injury that curtailed his 2023-24 campaign with Everton.

While it was confirmed recently that Mykolenko would not require surgery and would be in contention for Euro 2024, the full-back is now staring absence from the tournament in the face in a gutting state of affairs should the injury prove to be serious.

Thomas said: "Everton have enough to worry about at right back this summer.

"Another injury to Mykolenko, who has only just recovered from the one that ended an impressive season prematurely, would be a major headache in a position that is otherwise one of few Dyche has confidence in."

Everton must react well to Vitaliy Mykolenko setback

Depending on the severity of the issue with Mykolenko in Ukraine's win over Moldova, Everton must find the right solution - which could mean hunting for a reasonably priced option to fill the void.

The 25-year-old made 28 league appearances in 2023-24 as Dyche's side maintained an organised defensive unit and hit form towards the end of the season, and was a big miss after his season ended prematurely during the Merseyside derby win over Liverpool at Goodison Park.

Veterans Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young have both been offered contract extensions with the club, and the importance of the duo may have just changed overnight while the club anxiously await news on Mykolenko's recovery estimate.

Everton have enough to worry about at right back this summer. Another injury to Mykolenko, who has only just recovered from the one that ended an impressive season prematurely, would be a major headache in a position that is otherwise one of few Dyche has confidence in https://t.co/mAjZJbcTaF
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) June 11, 2024

The news, if bad, will also be a huge blow for Ukraine for whom the defender has earned 41 caps.

In other Everton news, there is another update on Ben Godfrey's contract situation.

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Vitaliy Mykolenko

Ukraine