Moyes on Everton trio’s fitness ahead of Chelsea clash

Everton could be boosted by the return of Vitalii Mykolenko for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea, although Jarrad Branthwaite faces a late fitness check.

Mykolenko missed the 2-2 draw at Hull City after picking up an injury on international duty with Ukraine, but David Moyes says the left-back is making good progress.

“Myko is doing much better,” Moyes said.

“Myko has got a chance for the game.”

Branthwaite, meanwhile, played the full game against Hull despite suffering a problem early on.

“Jarrad had a problem,” Moyes said.

“He got it really early in the game, so we’ve been half looking at that during the week, a little bit.”

Christian Nørgaard could also be involved against Chelsea as he continues to build his fitness, although Moyes does not believe he is ready to start.

“Christian still has a bit to go, still a wee bit to go,” he said.

“I think I could use him at certain times, if required, but I don’t think he’s ready to start games yet.”