How Everton may have avoided Vitalii Mykolenko 'disaster' after update vs Hull City

Everton face uncertainty over Vitalii Mykolenko ahead of their match against Hull City on Sunday.

The Toffees travel to MKM Stadium on 11 October as they return to Premier League action after the lengthy international break.

With several players out on international duty, the Blues will have a few fitness concerns against the Tigers.

Mykolenko was one of the players who picked up an injury on international duty with Ukraine before returning to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

David Moyes doesn't have the luxury of having a big squad, with only 18 outfield players at his disposal.

The Merseyside outfit lack adequate depth in certain positions, including left-back.

Tony Bellew and Leon Osman react to Vitalii Mykolenko injury issue

Ukraine didn't handle Mykolenko's injury issue well, allowing him to train after he experienced leg pain.

As a result, the defender returned to the Toffees early from the three-week break.

Leon Osman shared his concerns around the left-back due to the lack of options at Moyes' disposal.

Speaking on the Outside the Box Pod on 10 October, the ex-Blues midfielder said, "Mykolenko got injured, didn't he? Don't know how severe the injury was.

"That will be a tough one for us to cover because of us having no other left-backs."

Tony Bellew responded, "That's a disaster."

However, Mykolenko's fitness issue doesn't seem that serious, with Moyes saying he has a chance to play against Hull.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Scottish manager said, "He has [Mykolenko] got a chance for Sunday, the extra day might help, we'll see.

Who could replace Vitalii Mykolenko if needed

Everton could opt to play Jarrad Branthwaite at left-back, with Jake O'Brien coming into a central position.

The England international did feature in the position on a few occasions last season.

But it remains to be seen whether Moyes would want to disrupt the impressive partnership James Tarkowski and Branthwaite have built.

Another option to replace Mykolenko could be playing James Garner out of position.

With Christian Norgaard training with the team during the break, the Scottish manager could immediately give the midfielder his debut.