Everton face Newcastle United on Saturday evening with Sean Dyche’s squad severely depleted by injuries.
As the Toffees prepare to host the Magpies, they do so with an increasing list of fitness concerns, complicating the manager’s plans for a crucial Premier League fixture.
Everton’s injury crisis worsens at a critical time, despite their recent upturn in form. The Blues secured their first win of the season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, a result which momentarily eased the pressure after a dismal start.
Yet, with just four points from their first six games, they remain perilously close to the relegation zone. The international break, which follows this weekend’s action, will provide some much-needed respite as Everton’s injury problems mount.
Vitaliy Mykolenko joins Everton’s growing injury list:
Everton’s defensive issues have deepened, with Vitaliy Mykolenko now added to the list of absentees ahead of Newcastle’s visit. The Ukrainian left-back is the latest player to face time on the sidelines, following scans on a calf injury.
Reports from Ukraine suggest the problem is worse than initially feared, with the 25-year-old expected to miss several weeks, including the upcoming international break.
Mykolenko’s absence compounds Everton’s defensive woes. He had only just returned to the starting line-up for the victory over Crystal Palace after missing matches against Leicester City and Southampton due to illness.
His performances had drawn praise from Dyche, who previously described him as ‘excellent.’ Mykolenko’s injury also puts his participation in Ukraine’s UEFA Nations League fixtures in doubt.
Sean Dyche had already confirmed that Youssef Chermiti, Seamus Coleman, and Nathan Patterson would miss the Newcastle clash, while doubts remain over Jarrad Branthwaite due to a suspected quad injury.
With this influx of fitness concerns, Dyche’s options are increasingly limited as he prepares to take on Eddie Howe’s high-flying Magpies.
James Garner likely to deputise again at right-back:
The injury to Mykolenko means Dyche may once again be forced to reshuffle his defence. Ashley Young, who filled in at left-back during Mykolenko’s absence, could return to the role, leaving James Garner to play out of position at right-back.
Garner had previously deputised in that spot when Young was moved to cover for Mykolenko, and he may be asked to do so again with both Coleman and Patterson unavailable.
Dyche’s reliance on makeshift solutions has been a recurring theme in Everton’s season so far, with injuries hampering any sense of consistency.
The absence of key defenders ahead of the Newcastle fixture leaves Everton vulnerable, and the manager will be hoping his patched-up backline can withstand the pressure from a Newcastle side that has started the season brightly.
Everton’s clash with Newcastle comes at a critical juncture. While their victory over Crystal Palace offered hope, another defeat could plunge them back into crisis.
With so many players out, Dyche’s tactical acumen will be tested as he attempts to navigate his side through this difficult period. The break that follows will allow for recovery, but for now, Dyche must find a way to make do with what’s available.