David Moyes was speaking to preview Everton's upcoming Premier League game against Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon
HULL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite feels his leg after a heavy challenge during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Everton at MKM Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Hull, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite picked up a knock in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Hull City (Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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David Moyes believes Vitalii Mykolenko has a chance of being fit to face Chelsea and revealed Jarrad Branthwaite picked up a knock against Hull City. Branthwaite started last weekend’s draw at the MKM Stadium at left-back after Mykolenko was unavailable because of a minor knock picked up on international duty.
And although the England international played the full 90 minutes against Sergej Jakirovic’s side, he was spotted limping during the game. Asked for an update on the pair, Moyes said: "Jarrad had a problem. He got it really early [against Hull]. We've been looking at that in the week. Myko's doing much better. Myko's got a chance for the game."
Blues boss Moyes also welcomed Christian Norgaard into his matchday squad for the first time since he joined from Arsenal during the summer.
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Norgaard had missed the start of the campaign after picking up an injury, and while he is back in contention, his boss doesn't believe he is ready to start matches from the off.
"Christian's still got a bit to go,” the Scot said. “A wee bit to go. I think we could use him at certain times if required, but I don't know if he's ready to start the game yet."
Despite having only 18 senior outfield players available, Moyes heads into tomorrow’s game with several selection headaches, and he admits Tyrique George is pushing for a start.
He said: "I think Tyrique's knocking at the door. I think he started a wee bit slow and then picked up. So, there's huge competition in that position. Jack's aware that Tyrique is there.
Tyrique George celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Tyrique George celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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"He's done well for us, Tyrique. We've enjoyed it, we bring him on and we think he can do a job for us on both sides."
While Moyes was also asked about Jake O’Brien, who has found his game time limited so far this season.
"At the moment he would need to put out probably an England international and the club captain in Tarky (James Tarkowski), who I think have played really well in the games. When the opportunity comes, you have to be ready to take it. We like Jake a lot."
Moyes also praised Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, after he was on the scoresheet again against Hull last weekend.
He said: "He's become hugely important. His form last year was so good. I think he was probably close to the England set-up. His goals, his assists. I think he had a little bit of a dip, but he's beginning to find his way back now."