Lyndon Lloyd 30/04/2024 23comments  |  Jump to last

Updated Vitalii Mykolenko’s Premier League season is over after he rolled his ankle badly late in the first half of last week’s Goodison derby but he appears to have avoided the need for surgery to repair the damage.

The full-back sustained the injury when Liverpool's Darwin Nuñez collided with him in the area and left him crumpled on the turf in visible pain, but he returned to the pitch for a few minutes to hobble through the remainder of the half.

Everton did not immediately reveal the extent of Mykolenko's injury, with Sean Dyche telling reporters on Thursday that the medical staff were waiting for the injury to "settle down" before the player could undergo scans, but the initial prognosis is a minimum of six weeks out of action.

Ukrainian journalist, Viktor Vatsko, claimed yesterday that Club doctors were recommending surgery to fix torn ankle ligaments which would rule Mykolenko out of this summer's European Championships.

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However, following a consultation with a specialist, the former Dynamo Kiev player has been told that he can likely recover without going under the knife in the hope of being fit enough to play for his country in Germany in June. 

Regardless, he won't play a part in any of Everton's three remaining Premier League matches having made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees.

Mykolenko confirmed via Instagram: 

"Firstly I want to say to everyone thank you very much for the words of support, I read everything and see. I do not need surgery and now my goal is to recover as soon as possible and I hope to see you at the Euros. 

"For Evertonians, you have been amazing this season, particularly in derby. That's why I stood up after the twist and played as much as I could. See you next season, Toffees."

Source: Sport (Ukraine) via Sport Witness

Reader Comments (23)

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Michael Kenrick
1 Posted 29/04/2024 at 19:29:41
That's a tough one for Vitalii, and such a sneaky foul by that Red Shite bastard that he got away with.
Larry O'Hara
2 Posted 29/04/2024 at 19:51:14
Yes,it was a feature of that match how dirty the RS were: but to be fair the ref did spot most of their misdemeanours.
Derek Knox
3 Posted 29/04/2024 at 20:03:53
Speedy recovery, Vitalii, you have made that left-back slot your own, by consistent performances.

A bad blow indeed, especially against them. Hope all goes well!

Joe McMahon
4 Posted 29/04/2024 at 20:11:02
Bloody Hell, hope he can make it. He's really developed that role, and one of our important players.
Colin Callaghan
5 Posted 29/04/2024 at 20:17:03
Tough for the lad.

But him not playing in the Euros is good news for Everton.

Jack Convery
6 Posted 29/04/2024 at 20:19:35
Get fit soon, Myko. One of our players of the season.

Gives his young understudy the chance for more game time.

Roger Helm
7 Posted 29/04/2024 at 20:37:48
Disagree Colin, I think it is good for the club and good for our players (and therefore also good for the club) for our players to be involved in international tournaments.
Dean Williams
8 Posted 29/04/2024 at 20:50:54
Mykolenko ain't the best going forward, but has kept plenty of class wingers quiet this season.

Solid defender who seems to be growing in the team.

Andrew Merrick
9 Posted 29/04/2024 at 21:07:54
This injury was a horrible watch, I was astounded he was allowed to continue, and I expect that is regretted by everyone now.

Just get back to your best, Myko.

Denis Richardson
10 Posted 29/04/2024 at 21:18:08
Fingers grossed for him, unfortunately ligament damage takes time but he's still got a month and a half.

When I saw the tackle and him going off later, I thought his season was over there and then.

Colin Callaghan
11 Posted 29/04/2024 at 21:20:58
Roger I agree with most of what you said but I think you're naive.

When he performs the way I know he will, he will have many bids for him. I also don't question his motivation and don't think he personally needs this to help develop or grow.

Mykolenko is nowhere near everyone's radar and I'd like to keep him our secret

John Chambers
12 Posted 29/04/2024 at 22:42:31
Sorry, Jack, was that meant to say:

"Give his understudy, Young, the chance for more game time".

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
13 Posted 29/04/2024 at 22:55:14
As some others have said, the weight on that ankle was compounded by having Salah in his back pocket.

On another site he is the hot choice for being Unsung Hero of the Season.

And in all of this, he must be getting weekly reports of his school friends who are being injured or killed by the Russian invaders. Not sure how I could put in the sort of performances he has this year when that is going on in his head. "If I was not as good at football as I am, I would probably be facing bullets like my mates".

He is not an unsung hero, he is a hero.

Colin Glassar
14 Posted 29/04/2024 at 23:41:33
Gutted for the lad. Surely the most improved Everton player this season.
Tony Mace
15 Posted 30/04/2024 at 01:57:47
If he was a Red Shite, any Everton player within a 50-m radius would be getting death threats from the gobshite vermin keyboard warriors.
Danny O’Neill
16 Posted 30/04/2024 at 06:10:28
A shame for him and Everton.

I like Vitalli a lot. Committed, full of desire and as I keep saying, he always the first over to the supporters and giving his shirt to a young fan.

Playing for Everton means a lot for him as will playing for his country.

Speedy recovery.

Mike Hayes
17 Posted 30/04/2024 at 09:32:13
Not good that he's injured near the end of the season and before Euros.

Hope he recovers soon – we need him fit and ready to play next season.

Mark Andrews
18 Posted 30/04/2024 at 09:46:06
Torn ligaments and played on. Vitalii really put his body on the line for the cause.
Roger Helm
19 Posted 30/04/2024 at 11:22:27
I hope he doesn't have surgery. There are a lot of unnecessary operations done.

Lateral ankle ligament injuries usually heal as well without surgery.

Peter Moore
20 Posted 30/04/2024 at 13:04:54
Vitalii is doubtless an inspiration to his countrymen, and all right-thinking humans of decency, dignity and honour. He represents his Country, Ukraine, with absolute distinction, and honours Everton too, with his performances, in which he gives his all every time.

I hope he is healthy and fit to give his best in representing Ukraine in the coming international tournament. He is young enough to be an even better player come the World Cup 2026, if Ukraine qualify. His dedication and talent allows for even more development.

Its a short career compared to normal human lifespan isn't it. So I hope he overcomes this bump in the road and goes on to have a beaming smile as part of a trophy winning team in the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock!

We just need the suitable investor to scoop up this amazing opportunity to lead us into the Bright Blue future on the Banks of the Royal Blue Mersey!

If someone has a spare £2 billion for an Everton rescue and relaunch, it could be the best £2 billion ever spent. Come on Jeff, Elon or Bill (Gates!) You know it makes sense. UTFT 🙏

Neil Lawson
21 Posted 30/04/2024 at 13:53:54
He is quoted this morning as confirming that surgery's not required. I do hope that is accurate and is the correct decision and not unduly influenced by his desire to play in the Euros.

Let's accept as good, positive news and hope he is fit and flying come August. His development at Goodison has been excellent. Let's wish for the same for Patterson.

Jack Convery
22 Posted 30/04/2024 at 14:45:21
Sorry, John. It was meant as written. I was being ironic!

They are not as good when you have to explain them, as my Dad always says.

Terry Farrell
23 Posted 02/05/2024 at 04:56:46
Gutted that he cannot finish the rest of his consistently good season. He gives Salah and Saka and many more a good game and wins his duels. Brave and committed and no drama queen.

Hope it heals so he can represent Ukraine in the Euros and then he can rest up until preseason.

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