Vitalii Mykolenko injury latest: When could Everton star return to action?
Vitalii Mykolenko was a forced absentee as Everton drew at Hull City on Sunday afternoon.
The Toffees returned to Premier League action with a 2-2 draw at the MKM Stadium, with a change enforced.
Jarrad Branthwaite started at left-back, with Michael Keane coming in centrally to partner James Tarkowski.
The mystery around Mykolenko started during the international break.
Despite nursing an injury, he was thrown into the deep end with Ukraine and played 90 minutes against Hungary.
A 1-0 win overshadowed what was another issue for Mykolenko.
What's the latest on Mykolenko?
There was quite a lot of mystery around the injury issue.
It was discovered that Mykolenko was training frequently when he actually needed a break, so it's no surprise he suffered.
David Moyes confirmed that he was close to featuring at Hull with some added rest, so he should be fine as the week progresses.
Ben Dinnery, an expert for Premier Injuries, has revealed that Mykolenko's possible return date does sit at 17 October.
Everton welcome Chelsea to Hill Dickinson Stadium, so having extra bodies available would help.
Despite that, it does say Mykolenko is still being assessed and stands at a 50/50 chance of recovery to start.
Did Everton experiment work at Hull?
Branthwaite is a modern-day central defender, so never shies away from his responsibilities in possession.
Good on the ball, he should have picked up an assist after laying it off for Thierno Barry to somehow miss a clear chance.
But, this isn't an experiment we want to be forced into too much.
Branthwaite is a premium central defender, left-footed and top of the game, and you need that against Chelsea.
While the Blues aren't exactly picking up wins every week, their attack is electrifying.
Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers are scoring or assisting every single week, so that's the key to victory.
Moyes will want his best defence available, and that includes Mykolenko left and Branthwaite central.
With another weekend of rest behind him, he should be good to go.
That's no issue with Michael Keane, but Everton aren't blessed with natural depth in several positions now, this being one of them.
It's time for Mykolenko to come back in.