David Moyes says Vitalii Mykolenko has a chance of returning for Everton against Chelsea on Saturday after responding well to treatment.
The Ukraine international missed last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Hull City with a fitness problem, but Moyes provided a more encouraging update at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Mykolenko could now be involved at Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Christian Nørgaard is also available as he continues to build his fitness following a groin injury.
Moyes also discussed Tyrique George’s growing challenge to Jack Grealish, Jake O’Brien’s battle for a place at centre-back and Thierno Barry’s missed chances ahead of the Premier League meeting with Chelsea.
Mykolenko has chance of Chelsea return but Branthwaite a doubt
Mykolenko had been the main doubt on Everton’s injury list after missing the trip to Hull, where Jarrad Branthwaite filled in on the left side of the defence.
Moyes said the injury has responded well and that the 27-year-old has a chance of being available against Chelsea. His return would allow Branthwaite to move back into his usual central defensive role, although he too is nursing a knock he picked up against Hull. His will be a late call.
Norgaard was an unused substitute at Hull after recovering from the groin problem which disrupted the start of his Everton career. Moyes indicated that the midfielder could get some minutes against Chelsea, although he remains some way from being ready to start a game. The updates provide further clarity on Everton’s latest injury and fitness picture before Saturday’s early kick-off.
George pushing Grealish for Everton place
Moyes also spoke positively about George, who has begun to increase the competition for places in Everton’s attack after a relatively slow start to the campaign.
The Everton manager believes the 20-year-old is progressing well and revealed that he is pushing Grealish for a place on the left. George is also viewed as an option on the right, giving Moyes greater flexibility in the wide positions, with Grealish aware of the competition for his place.
O’Brien, meanwhile, faces a different battle for regular football. Moyes praised the Republic of Ireland international for filling in well at right-back and highlighted his quality, size and strength, but acknowledged that his route into central defence is currently blocked by England international Branthwaite and club captain James Tarkowski.
Moyes backs Barry despite missed chances
He also addressed Barry’s finishing after the striker scored at Hull but continued to pass up promising opportunities. The Everton boss acknowledged his frustration at some of the chances Barry has missed, but stressed that the important thing is for the 23-year-old to continue getting into goalscoring positions. Moyes believes the forward is improving and pointed to his age and the fact he is still learning.
Chelsea will provide Everton’s next test, with Moyes acknowledging the quality of Saturday’s opponents and expecting a difficult game. However, he believes his side are in a better place than they were when the clubs met last season, despite Everton winning that game.
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