What Everton have now learned about Vitaliy Mykolenko injury blow in new drama
Vitaliy Mykolenko has returned to Everton as a victim of the extended international break.
The left-back was ruled out of three games during the break, but not much was released on his injury issue.
Mykolenko played 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Hungary at the start, yet returned to Merseyside early.
With little in the shape of answers, information is starting to come to light.
David Moyes is welcoming his squad back to Finch Farm now, with important Premier League games against Hull, Chelsea and Arsenal to follow.
He may have to deal without Mykolenko for some of them.
Everton will not be happy about Mykolenko reveal
There was a secrecy around Mykolenko's injury, and it leaves the Toffees in a really sticky situation now.
Ihor Burbas, a reliable Ukranian journalist, revealed everything he knows about the blow and how it was managed.
“I have questions for the national team’s medical staff,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“From what I hear, the situation regarding Mykolenko does not look very professional. He had leg pain. But after an assessment, the medics said there was nothing serious and allowed him to train.
"He went out for the session, after which the pain intensified. The player was then released to return to his club. At the club, an examination revealed that he should not have been training in that condition at all. He needed to take a break.”
Are Everton in trouble now?
In short, they definitely could be.
Mykolenko is the only out-and-out left back at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Adam Aznou was allowed to leave on loan in the summer.
Moyes never trusted the Moroccan outside of an FA Cup cameo, but now it could come back to haunt him.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has secured the right-back spot, but could be moved to the left if needed.
Then, it means Jake O'Brien or even Merlin Rohl may be forced to play on the right, depending on how serious this injury is.
Either way, it shows how much of a mistake some of the decisions were this summer, with players able to leave with very little depth.
Everton have one right-back, one left-back and one senior striker and outside of those, it's makeshift options or the academy.
Moyes has hit hands tied behind his back, and it would be no surprise to see that in the upcoming results should Mykolenko, and possibly others, start to rack up injuries.