Why David Moyes may be forced into Everton rethink after official Vitalii Mykolenko announcement
David Moyes may well have to rip up his plans for Everton's clash with Hull City due to Vitalii Mykolenko's injury blow.
The left-back sustained the setback while away with national side Ukraine.
Mykolenko has started all seven of Everton's matches this season in all competitions.
After playing the full 90 minutes for Ukraine in their 1-0 win in Hungary last Friday, he was ruled out of the goalless draw with Georgia on Monday.
Ukraine manager Andrea Maldara confirmed on Thursday that Mykolenko would also miss the game with Northern Ireland on Friday.
A further update has now emerged, and it does not sound like good news for the Toffees.
What's been said on Vitalii Mykolenko's injury?
Mykolenko is clearly a vital player for Moyes, given he has been selected from the off in every game.
Everton will now be left sweating on the defender's fitness, though, as he has been sent back to Finch Farm early.
Ukraine's FA released a statement on Thursday night confirming Mykolenko would play no further part in any Nations League fixtures this window.
The 27-year-old has instead returned to Merseyside to undergo rehabilitation on the unspecified issue.
All Everton fans can do now is await any further updates from the club on the severity of the problem.
What will David Moyes now do vs Hull City?
It remains unclear just how serious the issue to Mykolenko is.
The fact he has returned to Everton early means he was not fit enough to play against Hungary on Monday.
Everton are back in action against Hull six days later, so Mykolenko will be touch and go at best.
Like over on the right, Everton badly lack any sort of back-up in this area of the field.
One possible solution is to use Ainsley Maitland-Niles there, with Jake O'Brien then filling in on the right.
That would allow James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite to continue their strong partnership in the centre.
It is by no means the end of the world, then, but it is also far from ideal for Moyes if Mykolenko is out for any length of time.