Everton manager Sean Dyche has confirmed that 23-year-old left-back Vitalii Mykolenko could return before the end of the season, though Saturday’s trip to Wolves may be too soon for the Ukrainian.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, reported via Everton’s official YouTube channel, Sean Dyche confirmed that Mykolenko ‘has a chance’ of being available for the last game of the season against Bournemouth but stated that he is doubtful for Saturday.
Dyche said: “I doubt he (Mykolenko) will be right for this one (Wolves), he has a chance for the next one.”
The Ukrainian international was unavailable for last week’s visit of Manchester City to Goodison Park, as 26-year-old Mason Holgate filled in at left-back.
Indeed, the Toffees performed well against Pep Guardiola’s side, despite the 3-0 defeat, though Holgate was clearly Everton’s weak link throughout the game.
The 26-year-old was eventually substituted on 56 minutes as Sean Dyche introduced Conor Coady and went with three at the back alongside Yerry Mina and James Tarkowski.
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With Coady on loan from Saturday’s opponents Wolves, he will be ineligible to feature, though Dyche could start Michael Keane with Dwight McNeil operating as a wing-half, if he opts to start this game how he ended the fixture against Man City.
Mykolenko return would be a big boost for Everton PL survival hopes
The loss of Mykolenko for such an important fixture is a blow to Everton, though more importantly will be the inclusion of forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
When pressed on whether he will be available, Dyche said: “Hopefully.”
He went on to add: “He (Calvert-Lewin) has come through the last couple of days well.”
The importance of the fixture cannot be underestimated as Everton look to secure Premier League safety.
It will be interesting to see how Dyche approaches this one in the absence of Mykolenko, with a vital three points on the line for the Toffees.