Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko will miss Ukraine's Nations League match against Northern Ireland on Friday due to a leg problem, head coach Andrea Maldera has confirmed.
The 27-year-old played the full game as Ukraine beat Hungary 1-0 last week, but sat out the goalless draw with Georgia on Monday. Ahead of that meeting in Tbilisi, Maldera said via Suspilne: 'We have a small problem with Mykolenko. He has a small problem with his leg, and we decided not to take any risks.'
Manager confirms absence
Maldera has now ruled the defender out of Friday's clash with Northern Ireland, which is being played in Trnava, Slovakia. 'Unfortunately, we cannot count on Mykolenko,' he said ahead of the Nations League Group B2 game. 'He is not feeling very well. We respect him and would not want him to suffer a more serious injury.'
The nature of the issue, other than it being with Mykolenko's leg, is not yet clear, but will be a concern for Everton fans as the full-back has been a fixture in the Toffees' starting XI.
Everton impact
The 55-cap Ukraine international was signed from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2022 for what is increasingly looking like a bargain fee of £17 million, including add-ons. He has been a regular under a string of managers since arriving when Rafael Benitez was in charge of the club.
Mykolenko has racked up 166 appearances for the Toffees and started all five of their Premier League matches so far this season. David Moyes will be hoping that it is indeed just a 'small problem' and the defender will be available when Everton travel to take on Hull City on Sunday October 11.
Group standings
Ukraine and Northern Ireland are both on four points from two games in their Nations League group, with Georgia and Hungary both on one.
Maldera said of the upcoming challenge: 'I think Northern Ireland are a good team, they have a special identity. We have a lot of respect for this team. I think it will be an even match because all the teams in the group are equal. They create a lot of chances from throw-ins and set pieces, and when the game is even, those moments can make a difference. They have a very good team and it will be a tough match.'
