‘Took a knock’… Sean Dyche says 24-year-old Everton player has picked up an issue before Brighton game

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Sean Dyche has just been previewing Everton’s match with Brighton and Hove Albion, in his pre-match press conference.

And whilst it was a rather uninspiring affair, in which the gaffer actually fell into old habits by showing up 15 minutes late, he did offer one key piece of information which does not bode well for their chances on Saturday.

The classic injury round-up was rattled off rather succinctly, but there was one new name added to that list of potential absentees.

And whilst Seamus Coleman is expected to be back, and Andre Gomes and Arnaut Danjuma are both working hard to get fit, Vitaliy Mykolenko could now be missing.

Sean Dyche offers injury update

Having joined under Rafael Benitez’s poisonous tenure, the 24-year-old initially struggled to shake the tag that came with being one of his few signings.

Unfortunately associated with the Spaniard who became so maligned with the fanbase, it took time for him to grow into a useful asset and prove his worth.

Now, having been transformed under Dyche, he is arguably one of the club’s most important players.

That’s what will make his absence all the more frustrating, should it come to fruition, as he told the press conference: ‘He was back in today, still sounds a little bit groggy by that’s the pro he is [on Coleman].

‘Arnie’s [Danjuma] working very hard to get fit, Andre [Gomes] is working very hard to get fit, the others…

‘Myko’s took a knock, hopefully he’ll be alright. Yeah, I think everyone else is okay. We had to monitor his minutes but yeah he’s been out there training today [on Doucoure].’

Who could Everton use to replace Vitaliy Mykolenko?

There are two outstanding options to replace the Ukraine international, should the worst come to fruition.

However, neither are really ideal to quell the immense threat that Kaoru Mitoma will pose.

The first and the most likely option is to simply put Ashley Young in as a like-for-like replacement, although it would likely not be received well by a fanbase that has made its feelings known on placing the 38-year-old at full-back.

The second, and far more favourable one, would be to shift Ben Godfrey across to the left flank and reinstate Coleman to the starting side.

Having featured heavily at left-back under Carlo Ancelotti, the 26-year-old’s athleticism would stand a far better chance of dealing with the Seagulls’ dynamic threats.

However, Dyche has been known to favour the former Manchester United veteran, despite his defensive shortcomings.