Everton full back Vitaliy Mykolenko’s hopes of playing in this summer’s European Championships are hanging in the balance after the Ukrainian suffered a nasty ankle injury in last week’s Merseyside Derby.

The 24-year-old, who has been one of the most improved players under Sean Dyche and played a pivotal role in the Toffees’ survival bid, went off at half time in the 2-0 win over Liverpool having originally powered on after an awkward fall.

He missed the win against Brentford on Saturday which confirmed survival and is unlikely to play again for the club this season. ‘It’s not great early signs,’ said Dyche after the Liverpool match.

And he is now facing a race against time to be fit for Ukraine’s participation in Euro 2024.

Mail Sport understands Mykolenko will travel to see a specialist consultant on Tuesday to decide if he needs surgery on the injury.

The consultant will decide with Mykolenko and the club – plus likely his national team – whether he needs to be operated on what looks like ankle ligament damage. If he does need surgery, he is likely to miss the Euros and not return until next season.

Mykolenko has been one of Everton’s most consistent players this season with 28 league appearances and two goals. He has been capped 39 times by Ukraine and would be a big miss for the nation.