Everton’s starting XI saw an unexpected change made as Jarrad Branthwaite replaced Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back.
David Moyes has handed a first start of the season to Branthwaite, who has just returned from injury.
After the 62-year-old spoke to the media on Friday from Finch Farm, there were no new injury blows to reveal outside of Jack Grealish.
However, there has since been an issue suffered by Mykolenko that has forced him to remain on Merseyside.
Thoughts on this starting XI, Toffees? 🤔
Mykolenko drops out as Branthwaite makes his first start of the season! 🤩
Just as Everton fans may have felt there was finally some positive injury news coming out of the club, they have been hit by another setback.
David Moyes shares Vitaliy Mykolenko injury news from Everton
Branthwaite has only just returned to Everton’s squad following a lengthy injury that’s kept him out for the first half of the season.
Speaking to Everton’s media team ahead of the game, Moyes has confirmed the Ukraine international has suffered an injury blow.
What would YOU do with Adam Aznou in the summer? 🤷♂️
‘David Moyes has confirmed Vitaliy Mykolenko – absent from today’s matchday squad – picked up a knock in training,’ the club posted over on X.
It is a blow that Everton do not need at this stage of the transfer window, after Moyes admitted Everton want more full-backs to be added to their squad.
The Ukraine international has been dependable in terms of availability this season, but his attacking output has failed to impress.
Mykolenko has received interest from European sides ahead of his contract running out over the summer.
Adam Aznou dropped from Everton squad ahead of deadline day
On Friday, Moyes admitted Adam Aznou could leave Everton before the transfer window shuts on Monday.
Despite Mykolenko’s injury, the young Moroccan has been left out of the squad to face Brighton on the south coast.
There is potential for this to be a real indication of where his future may lie.
Aznou impressed James Garner against Sunderland in the FA Cup, but there appears to be no trust towards the 19-year-old from Moyes just yet.
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