Everton dealt Vitalii Mykolenko injury blow as defender to miss Arsenal Premier League clash

Everton will be without Vitalii Mykolenko for the end of season Premier League clash against Arsenal.

The Toffees travel to Emirates Stadium on May 19 but will be without left-back Mykolenko who has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after suffering ankle ligament damage. The 24-year-old was injured during Everton’s 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Liverpool last Wednesday night.

A statement from the Toffees said: “The Blues left-back, who came off at half-time during the clash at Goodison Park, has been assessed by a specialist, who revealed the Ukraine international will not require surgery. However, Mykolenko will not be available for Everton for the remainder of the season.”

Mykolenko has made 34 appearances for Everton this season, scoring two goals, and has been a huge part of Sean Dyche's side, with the Merseysiders looking likely to have avoided relegation once more. However, Mykolenko's absence could be a boost for Arsenal, who are still fighting for the title.

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The Gunners are currently top of the table on 80 points with three games remaining. Man City are one point behind Mikel Arteta's side but do have one game in hand.

Writing on Instagram, Mykolenko said: "Firstly I want to say to everyone thank you very much for the words of support, I read everything and see. I do not need surgery and now my goal is to recover as soon as possible and I hope to see you at the Euros. For Evertonians, you have been amazing this season, particularly in derby. That's why I stood up after twist and played as much as I could. See you next season Toffees."