NT confirm injured Everton player ‘already left camp’ – Will work on recovery with Toffees

Everton‘s Vitaliy Mykolenko has withdrawn from the Ukraine squad, raising alarm bells at the Premier League side.

This season, the left-back has played every minute in the Premier League and in the EFL Cup for Everton.

He has also been a regular for the national team since regaining his place last October. Last week, Ukraine manager Andrea Maldera started the fullback in their 1-0 win over Hungary in the UEFA Nations League.

Manager already worried about Everton man

Andrea Maldera had left him out of the squad for their goalless draw against Georgia on Monday.

Ukraine will face Northern Ireland later today and in his pre-match press conference, the national team manager confirmed Vitaliy Mykolenko will miss this tie. He took this step to avoid aggravating the Everton player’s injury.

“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to count on Mykolenko for the match against Northern Ireland. He isn’t feeling good; we respect his situation and didn’t want to risk him suffering a more serious injury,” he said.

The Ukraine football association have now confirmed the 27-year-old has left the camp. He will return to the Merseyside club to work on recovering from an injury.

A statement on their official website read: ‘Ukrainian national team defender Vitaliy Mykolenko will not help the national team in the October matches of the Nations League due to injury.’

‘The football player has already left the national team camp and went to recover at his club, Everton.’

Big concern for Moyes & co. 

Everton have conceded only three goals from six Premier League matches this season and now have the joint best [along with Leeds United] defensive record.

Vitaliy Mykolenko, who started as a left-back, has played a part in it, playing every minute in the league. His injury will raise alarm bells as the Ukrainian is the only recognised left-back under David Moyes.

After the international break, the Toffees will face Hull City on October 11th. If Vitaliy Mykolenko doesn’t recover in time for this clash, it’ll be a major concern for Moyes and his side.