Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko withdraws from Ukraine squad amid injury concerns

The 26-year-old defender returned to Merseyside for further assessment after an MRI scan revealed that the groin issue stemmed from club matches. The Ukrainian FA confirmed that Mykolenko would not participate in the upcoming fixtures, with Vladyslav Dubinchak called up as his replacement.

Mykolenko had initially sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against AS Roma, missing subsequent matches against Leeds United and Brighton. He made a return in the Carabao Cup against Mansfield Town and played the full 90 minutes in Everton's 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, it appears that the defender may have been rushed back into action.

This setback adds to Everton's defensive challenges, as fellow left-back Adam Aznou is also sidelined due to an ankle injury. Aznou, who joined from Bayern Munich during the summer, made his competitive return for Everton’s U21s as he continues his rehabilitation.

Manager David Moyes faces a defensive dilemma, with James Garner having filled in at left-back during the opening match against Leeds United. Garner has been performing well in midfield, particularly in recent matches against Brighton and Wolves.

The Toffees are set to face Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday, 13 September, and will be hoping to have a full-strength squad available.

With the transfer window now closed and only free agents available, Everton's options for reinforcements are limited. The club will be closely monitoring Mykolenko's recovery as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures.