Everton have suffered a fresh injury concern with just over a week to go until their Premier League opener with Leeds United. The Toffees were compelled to make an early substitution when Vitalii Mykolenko sustained an injury in the final pre-season friendly.
The left-back collapsed in a heap following a sliding tackle that resulted in Roma winning a corner in the 10th minute. He initially received on-pitch treatment, but David Moyes was swiftly informed that the Ukrainian international would need to be substituted.
The impact of this incident isn't as severe as it might have been prior to the club's pre-season tour of the USA last month. During that trip, the Blues secured the signing of teenage left-back Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich.
Moyes had begun pre-season without any cover in that position after Ashley Young's departure this summer.
However, any injury to Mykolenko would raise concerns at Finch Farm due to both the lack of depth in the Everton squad and the defender's crucial role in the club's impressive defensive record over the past two seasons, reports the Liverpool Echo.
With the Premier League season set to kick off next weekend, Moyes' squad still lacked depth as they faced Roma in the final test event at Hill Dickinson Stadium. This was despite the return to fitness of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, and new additions including Mark Travers, Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Mark Travers.
KICK OFF - Leeds United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
Also full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season.
Get your copy NOW
Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Leeds United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Leeds news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.