Everton manager Sean Dyche has now confirmed that 23-year-old left-back Vitalii Mykolenko could be fit to face Bournemouth tomorrow.
The Ukrainian international has been absent from the last two match-day squads, missing games against Manchester City and Wolves.
However, Dyche has now revealed that Myko could recover in time for the final game of the season, speaking during his pre-match press conference reported via the club’s official YouTube channel.
The Everton boss said: “He’s (Mykolneko) a bit better, we’ll see how he reacts to training today.”
Regarding two of Everton’s other notable absentees, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Nathan Patterson, Dyche confirmed that neither will be fit in time for the Bournemouth game.
Dyche stated: “They won’t be fit. We haven’t had Dom (Calvert-Lewin) for two-thirds of my time here. Patto (Patterson) has more come in latterly, done well.”
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Mykolenko return would be a huge boost for Everton and Dyche
Indeed, the Everton manager will now be forced into a reshuffle, with so many of his strongest starting XI unavailable.
A fit Mykolenko would be a boost for the Blues given the circumstances, as playing without a recognised full-back on either side of the defence would be less than ideal.
Ultimately, whoever plays, this is one of the most significant games in Everton’s modern history, and one that will determine the club’s future.
Dyche could start with three at the back and use Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi as wing-backs, giving them the freedom to push on in attack, then dropping back into a defensive five when defending.
The crowd will expect an aggressive Everton side looking to play on the front foot, especially as the visitors have little to play for.
With just two points separating Everton from the relegation zone, the Blues will need to make every chance count.