David Moyes faces a challenging dilemma as Everton’s injury woes continue to mount, particularly with the recent setback of Vitalii Mykolenko. The Ukrainian left-back, who has been a vital part of the squad, suffered what is being termed a "serious" injury while on international duty, as reported by his national team manager, Serhiy Rebrov. This leaves Everton in a precarious position, as Mykolenko is the only senior left-back available, and his absence is likely to be felt significantly.
With Everton set to return from the international break, Moyes must get creative in addressing this issue. The team’s defensive lineup could see some shuffling, with Ashley Young emerging as a potential replacement for Mykolenko. Young, who has experience on the left side of defense, could step into the role next week if Mykolenko is unable to play.
However, Moyes could also consider moving Jarrad Branthwaite across to fill the left-back position. Branthwaite has shown promise and could adapt to the role, although this would require a reshuffle in the defense that might disrupt the current balance. Alternatively, Seamus Coleman could provide additional support at right-back, offering depth and experience as the team navigates through a difficult fixture schedule.
As the team gears up for a daunting April, which includes matches against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, the pressure is on Moyes to maintain the squad's momentum. Despite the challenges, Jake O’Brien, a defender for Everton, remains optimistic. He believes the team can draw confidence from past performances against tough opponents, stating, "It is a tough run of games, you can’t see past it, but I think we are more than good enough to nick results from it." This confidence is bolstered by the fact that Everton has already taken points off several of their upcoming adversaries this season.
Adding to the squad's optimism, Everton is expecting the return of key players from injury in the coming weeks. Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye, both sidelined for an extended period, are anticipated to rejoin the lineup. Their return could provide a much-needed boost to the squad, especially as they prepare for the high-stakes Merseyside derby against Liverpool on April 2.
McNeil has been out with a knee injury, while Ndiaye has also been dealing with similar issues. Their absence has been felt, particularly in the attacking third, where Everton has struggled to find consistent scoring. However, with the international break allowing some players to recover, Moyes is hopeful that he can field a more complete squad in the coming matches.
In addition to McNeil and Ndiaye, Everton has welcomed back Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja, both of whom played pivotal roles in the recent 1-1 draw against West Ham United. Broja, who has had a frustrating time since joining on loan from Chelsea, is particularly eager to make an impact. After enduring a lengthy recovery from an Achilles injury and subsequent ankle ligament damage, Broja finally saw game time during the international break, where he contributed to Albania's efforts in their qualifying matches.
Albania's head coach, Sylvinho, expressed his satisfaction with Broja's performance, stating, "I hope he doesn't suffer any more injuries. I'm happy with all the players who played a very good match.” His confidence in Broja's abilities could translate into a significant asset for Everton as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
As the team prepares for the upcoming fixtures, the focus will be on maintaining their current form. Everton has enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, which has helped them distance themselves from the relegation zone. This run of form has ignited hope among fans and players alike that the club can finish the season strongly.
Despite the injury challenges, Moyes has emphasized the importance of adaptability within the squad. With a 17-point cushion above the relegation places, there is room for experimentation, and the manager might consider unconventional solutions, such as deploying McNeil in a defensive role temporarily. This could provide the team with the balance and creativity they need in the absence of Mykolenko.
Everton's upcoming schedule is nothing short of daunting, with critical matches lined up against formidable opponents. After facing Liverpool, they will host Arsenal, travel to Nottingham Forest, and then take on Manchester City at Goodison Park before concluding the month with a trip to Chelsea. Each match presents its own challenges, but with a growing confidence in the squad and the imminent return of key players, Everton fans have reason to be hopeful.
In summary, while the injury to Mykolenko poses a significant challenge for Moyes and his staff, the potential return of McNeil, Ndiaye, and the recent contributions from Chermiti and Broja offer a glimmer of hope. As the Toffees gear up for their crucial April fixtures, the emphasis will be on resilience, creativity, and the unwavering belief that they can secure positive results against their rivals.
