Everton's defensive solidity and squad depth are under the spotlight as they prepare to return from the international break for a trip to Hull City. The Toffees sit 7th in the Premier League with nine points from an unbeaten start of two wins and three draws, but face a potential selection headache at left-back.
Vitalii Mykolenko is a doubt for the upcoming match due to injury, a concern for manager David Moyes as the Ukrainian is the squad's only natural left-back. His potential absence highlights the thin nature of the squad, with Adam Aznou out on loan at Malaga for the season.
While one defender faces a fitness race, another has impressed on international duty. Jake O'Brien started two of the Republic of Ireland's three Nations League games in central defence. In a standout performance against Israel, the defender won all seven of his duels. He also recorded a perfect passing accuracy against Kosovo, completing three long balls. O'Brien said he "can be an exceptional defender for Everton."
They travel to face a Hull City side sitting just one place below them in 8th. With three players having been away on international duty, including Jordan Pickford who was an unused substitute for England, integrating the returning group will be key.
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