Everton's Vitalii Mykolenko left out of Ukraine squad vs Georgia - here's why

Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko isn't to play any part for Ukraine on Monday evening.

The 27-year-old was excellent for his country in their 1-0 win over Hungary last Friday night.

He played the full 90 minutes in Budapest, as Ukraine finished the game with just 10 men on the pitch, but held out for a win.

Andrea Maldera's side take on Georgia in a 5pm kick-off on Monday night for the second game in the UEFA Nations League group stage campaign.

The FIFA-ranked 33rd team in the world are expected to have too much for the 72nd-placed Georgians in Tbilisi.

However, they will have to find victory without the help of Mykolenko, who is absent from their matchday squad entirely.

What has Ukraine manager Andrea Maldera said about Vitalii Mykolenko missing Georgia?

As aforementioned, Mykolenko was out there for the full 90 against Hungary just days ago.

He appeared to have come through that game unscathed, and was expected to be involved again for the trip to Georgia this evening

So, Everton fans will be alarmed to see his name missing from Ukraine's squad in the Georgian capital.

As detailed in an X post from Ukrainian football news outlet Zorya Londonsk, the worry has been somewhat alleviated.

Maldera has confirmed that Mykolenko is currently dealing with a slight injury issue, and thus won't be risked on Monday night.

The fact that he could've been risked suggests this isn't a major problem for the defender, and by extension, Everton.

But why could this be a blessing in disguise for David Moyes, so long as the issue isn't a serious one?

Why this was bound to happen with Mykolenko soon enough

Mykolenko is under huge pressure to stay fit for Everton this season.

Indeed, he's Moyes' only natural left-back, and thus he's played every single minute in all competitions so far in 2026-27 for the Toffees.

If he is to remain as rested and as sharp as possible this term, then finding opportunities, however they arise, to get some rest into his legs will be key.

Of course, a slight injury issue isn't the ideal way to do so, but as aforementioned, this doesn't appear to be a major problem.

So if he can return to Hill Dickinson Stadium with more energy in his body than what there otherwise would've been, that's a huge bonus for Everton.

Moyes is sure to send Maldera a thank you card as well, with the Ukrainian gaffer not just looking after Mykolenko for his team's sake, but also for Everton's.