Everton are facing criticism after defender Vitaliy Mykolenko pulled out of Ukraine’s international squad due to a fresh injury concern. The left-back underwent an MRI scan before leaving the national camp, ruling him out of games against France and Azerbaijan.
Ukrainian sports doctor Dmitry Babelyuk, speaking to Sport.UA, voiced frustration at Everton’s handling of the player. He accused the club of rushing Mykolenko back too soon and jeopardising his long-term fitness.
The 25-year-old had already endured a setback earlier in the season, missing Everton’s opening two Premier League fixtures following a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season. He only recently returned, playing the full 90 minutes in a League Cup tie against Mansfield Town before completing another full match days later in a 3-2 league win over Wolves.
Babelyuk pointed to those back-to-back appearances as a key mistake. “Mykolenko left the national team due to a diagnosed muscle problem,” he explained. “A big thank you to Everton who managed to get the player back on the pitch on the 18th day after his muscle injury and immediately gave him two 90-minute games in three days. This is blatant unprofessionalism and amateurism.”
He added that responsibility for the situation lies across Everton’s structure, from the medical staff to the coaching team. “It’s incredible that this is happening at a Premier League club in 2025,” he continued. “I cannot imagine how a qualified coach can make such decisions and expose a player to the risk of reinjury. It harms the club, the national team, the player, and even the coach himself, who loses a key figure.”
Everton’s options at left-back are limited, making Mykolenko’s absence a major concern. Summer signing Adam Aznou is still recovering from injury, leaving Sean Dyche’s side short of cover.
Babelyuk warned that the consequences could now be more serious than the original issue. “A repeated injury requires significantly more time to recover,” he said, noting that Mykolenko now faces an extended rehabilitation process.
The situation highlights the growing tension between club and country over player management.
Mykolenko’s condition will now be closely monitored by Everton, and both staff and supporters are hoping that this setback won’t result in a protracted absence.
