Vitalii Mykolenko confusion as Everton ever-present ruled out again for Ukraine
Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko has been ruled out of another Ukraine match.
The 27-year-old has started all seven of Everton's matches in the Premier League and Carabao Cup so far this season.
However, Mykolenko was ruled out of Ukraine's goalless draw with Georgia on Monday.
That came a few days on from playing the full 90 minutes of Ukraine's away win in Hungary.
Mykolenko's issue was not expected to be serious, but there is now some confusion over the issue.
That comes amid an update from his national team boss Andrea Maldara on Thursday morning.
What has been said about Vitalii Mykolenko's Ukraine absence?
Like he is with Everton, Mykolenko is a regular starter for his country when fit.
However, speaking to reporters on the eve of Ukraine's Nations League clash with Northern Ireland in Trnava, Maldara confirmed the defender is out.
"We still cannot count on Mykolenko, unfortunately," Maldara said." He is not feeling very well.
"We respect him and do not want him to get injured more seriously."
Maldara saying Mykolenko is "not very well", combined with UNN reporting that he is suffering from "health problems", causes some confusion.
Further to this, reports elsewhere claimed he was part of training on Wednesday and ready to return.
It is not fully clear whether Mykolenko is injured, ill or maybe even both.
Either way, he will not play against Northern Ireland.
Ukraine's final game of the window comes against Hungary on Monday night.
Mykolenko speaks out on new Everton deal
While away with his country, Mykolenko has been speaking to local news outlets.
The former Dynamo Kyiv player was asked about the new deal he signed at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the summer.
Mykolenko said it was always his intention to stay on at Everton, with his previous deal due to expire in the summer.
While some Evertonians may feel there are better left-backs out there, Mykolenko signing a new deal effectively saved the Toffees millions.
For now, he is David Moyes' trusted lieutenant in that area of the field.
Fingers crossed the injury or illness issue he is suffering from does not keep him out of Everton's return-to-action match against Hull City in 10 days' time.