INTERNATIONAL

Everton sweat on Mykolenko injury as Armstrong earns England U21 call-up

📅 October 2, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 5

International break: mixed news for the Blues

Everton's players have scattered across the globe for the October international break, but not all the news has been positive. The Toffees are entering this period on the back of a solid start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, sitting on nine points from five games — with two wins, three draws and no defeats — but a key injury has cast a shadow over the camp.

Mykolenko injury scare

Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko has been sent back to Merseyside early after picking up a knock while on duty for Ukraine. The 27-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes in Ukraine's 1-0 UEFA Nations League win over Hungary, but was then left out of the squad for the goalless draw against Georgia with what was initially described as a precautionary measure. He then returned briefly to training but was ultimately ruled out of Ukraine's match against Northern Ireland — played in Trnava, Slovakia, due to the ongoing war in his homeland — with coach Andrea Maldera quoted as saying the team did not want to risk him suffering a more serious injury. Mykolenko has now undergone an MRI scan and returned to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium training base for further assessment. His availability for the Premier League trip to Hull City on Sunday 11 October is now in serious doubt, with manager David Moyes expected to monitor his recovery closely over the coming days.

Armstrong shines with England U21s

On a brighter note for the Toffees faithful, young midfielder Harrison Armstrong has been called up and promoted to the England Under-21 squad, joining Everton teammates Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling in the group. The teenager's rise through the ranks continues to gather pace, and there are growing discussions about whether Dibling could soon earn a regular starting spot for the Blues themselves.

Tarkowski vs O'Brien: a defensive dilemma

An interesting selection headache has emerged at centre-back. James Tarkowski has reportedly been in outstanding form this season, effectively squeezing Jake O'Brien out of the regular starting line-up. The competition between the experienced Tarkowski and the younger O'Brien gives manager David Moyes a welcome selection problem — but it means O'Brien has work to do if he wants to become a first-team regular at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Transfer talk

RUMOUR — Zirkzee in January: Everton tried to sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on a season-long loan on deadline day in September, only to be turned down because United did not have enough time to find a replacement. With Zirkzee still yet to start a single Premier League match this season under Ruben Amorim — managing only four substitute appearances totalling 70 minutes — there is growing speculation that the Blues could return with a fresh approach in the January window. No official bid has been made, and Roma are currently the frontrunners for a loan deal, but Everton's striker shortage — with Thierno Barry currently their only recognised senior forward — keeps the link alive.

RUMOUR — Nicolas Raskin eyed for January: Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin of Rangers has been identified by analysts as a shrewd budget target for Everton in the winter window, with one report suggesting a move could be achievable for under £15 million. The 25-year-old impressed at the 2026 World Cup with Belgium, reportedly keeping bigger-name players out of the starting XI. Raskin rejected a loan offer from Besiktas on deadline day and has made clear he wants to play in one of Europe's top five leagues — making a potential January swoop an intriguing possibility for Moyes.

Sources

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