26-Year-Old Everton Star Suffers Sudden Injury Setback: Will It Affect The Toffees In Short-Term? | OneFootball

Everton left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko reportedly picked up an adductor injury while away with Ukraine during the March 2026 international break. The 26-year-old, a regular for his country since 2018, was a surprise omission from the starting lineup for Tuesday’s World Cup playoff against Albania. Ukraine had already seen their 2026 World Cup dreams slip away after a 3-1 playoff semi-final loss to Sweden, with Bohdan Mykhailichenko stepping in for Mykolenko against Albania.

Mykolenko Picks Up Adductor Injury With Ukraine

Ukraine boss Serhiy Rebrov later cleared up the confusion, explaining that the Everton defender had seen doctors the day before without telling the coaches. Though he initially tried to declare himself fit, the injury ultimately sidelined him. Rebrov noted that Mykolenko described the issue as not that serious and expects to be back on Merseyside after five days of rest. This situation is critical, as Mykolenko’s contract expires at the end of the season, making every fitness update a major talking point.

“Unfortunately, he felt (something). He says that yesterday he went to the doctors, but I didn’t know anything about it. And when we were deciding with the main squad, he said that he was ready,” the Ukraine manager explained.

“Unfortunately, he got this injury, but as far as I can see now, he says that it’s not that serious, and he has 5 days off now. I’m sure that he will return to Everton in normal condition.” (Via Sport Witness)

Is This Injury a Bigger Problem For Everton Than It Looks?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

It’s been another inconsistent year for Mykolenko at Everton, though he has kept his spot in David Moyes’s XI. While this latest knock seems minor, it fits a worrying pattern. This isn’t a one-off; he suffered a similar adductor injury just minutes into a pre-season friendly against Roma in August 2025. These muscle problems tend to linger, and Mykolenko’s medical history at Goodison, stretching back to hip issues in 2022, is becoming hard to ignore.

His stats this season are also a mixed bag. A 35% dribble success rate and losing possession nearly 15 times per game aren’t the numbers of a top-tier attacking fullback. However, he still offers defensive grit. In the Sweden match, his 106 touches and eight duels won showed he can still impact big games.

Will This Affect Everton?

Honestly, Not Much Right Now. In the short term, this shouldn’t derail Everton’s season. A five-day recovery for a mild strain is manageable, and Moyes needs him ready for the final seven-game push for Europe. The real issue is the summer. With his contract up, re-signing a player with recurring muscle injuries is a massive gamble. I suspect Everton will let him walk. Given his durability issues and polarising form, it’s time for a cold assessment over sentiment. Everton should look for a fresh start at left-back rather than doubling down on more uncertainty.