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“I have questions” – National team in firing line over Everton injury

Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko was misdiagnosed by Ukraine’s medical team, leading to him returning to the Toffees early. The left-back has become something of an injury mystery over this international break after playing 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over…

Published: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 11:49 AM
“I have questions” – National team in firing line over Everton injury
Key Things to Know
  • Ukraine's national team medical staff faces criticism over an alleged misdiagnosis of Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko.
  • Journalist Ihor Burbas reported medics cleared Mykolenko to train with leg pain, which intensified the injury.
  • Everton examinations reportedly confirmed the defender should not have participated in training sessions.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Ukraine's medical staff has faced criticism over their handling of Everton left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko following an alleged misdiagnosis during international duty. According to Ukrainian journalist Ihor Burbas, national team doctors cleared Mykolenko to train despite leg pain, which subsequently worsened the condition before he was sent back to his club.

Upon returning to Everton, medical examinations reportedly revealed that the defender should not have trained and instead required rest. The setback leaves manager David Moyes facing a selection dilemma, as Mykolenko is currently the only recognized left-back in Everton's first-team squad.

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