Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko injured, with David Moyes shocked insert
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Wed 3 September 2025 14:58, UK
Vitalii Mykolenko has been pictured leaving the Ukraine national team camp, with the left-back appearing to have suffered another injury setback.
Everton had taken a risk by not signing a defender on deadline day, and just days after the window closed, that decision looks to have spectacularly blown up in the faces of decision-makers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Mykolenko returned from injury against Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup last week, and ex-Dynamo Kyiv star played the full 90 when Everton beat Wolves 3-2 on Saturday.
Moyes has already been struggling with injuries to several players this season, including Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson.
Everton tried to sign Ben Chilwell from Chelsea on deadline day, but he ultimately opted to move to Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.
Everton manager David Moyes stares into the distance with a serious facial expression.
Credit: Imago
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Vitalii Mykolenko set for further injury layoff
Adam Aznou made his return from injury for Everton’s development side on Tuesday night, and the left-back may be thrust straight into action for the first team.
Moyes has been left in a perilous situation when it comes to his defensive depth, with several of the eight defenders at the Hill Dickinson Stadium suffering from recent injury problems.
Branthwaite is injured, while Aznou and Nathan Patterson are stepping up their recoveries from problems of their own.
Seamus Coleman has returned to action this season, but the 36-year-old has suffered from extensive issues over the past few seasons and cannot, realistically, be relied on.
Everton’s defenders Availability
Jarrad Branthwaite Injured
Jake O’Brien Available
James Tarkowski Available
Michael Keane Available
Vitalii Mykolenko Injured
Adam Aznou Returning
Nathan Patterson Returning
Seamus Coleman Available
That has left Moyes with just three reliable defenders to call on, with James Garner forced to step into defence in for two of Everton’s matches already this season.
Mykolenko had been granted permission to join up with Ukraine for the international break, but Zorya Londonsk reported on Wednesday, 3 September, that an MRI scan has confirmed that the full-back has sustained another injury.
The 26-year-old was pictured leaving the camp, and he will now return to England for further analysis.
Breaking!
Vitaliy Mykolenko has left the Ukraine NT camp
This is following an MRI scan confirmed an injury sustained in club matches so is returning to Everton to recover
Dynamo’s Vladyslav Dubinchak will replace the LB
Not the best news ahead of a big game v 🇫🇷 on Friday pic.twitter.com/tbgb0Mh5Lw
— Zorya Londonsk (@ZoryaLondonsk) September 3, 2025
View Tweet
Everton pay price for terrible transfer decision
This season is not yet one month old, but Everton already find themselves facing an injury crisis at the back.
Garner can be expected to re-enter the backline should Aznou not be ready to start following the international break, but one more injury could leave the Toffees in a real mess.
The decision not to sign a new defender will be held under even more scrutiny now, with Everton taking a risk that may well have undone the rest of their strong summer business.
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