Vitaliy Mykolenko is making strides in his recovery journey after suffering an injury during a friendly match against Moldova. The left-back of the Ukrainian national team has begun light training with the ball on the field, as shown in a short video shared by the Ukrainian Association of Football's press service.

Encouraging Signs from the Training Ground

In the video, Mykolenko seems in high spirits, working diligently to regain his fitness. The sight of him training is a significant boost for Ukraine's defense, even though his return to full match fitness is still some time away.

Coach Rebrov's Optimistic Outlook

"Vitaliy will definitely miss the first match at Euro 2024 in Germany," said head coach Serhiy Rebrov earlier. While fans may be disappointed by this news, Mykolenko's gradual return offers hope for upcoming fixtures.

Euro 2024 Group Stage Kick-off Looms

As for the Ukrainian national team, they are gearing up for their opening match of the group stage against Romania. Scheduled for June 17 at 16:00 Kyiv time, the match will take place at the illustrious Allianz Arena.

Mykolenko's Absence: Tactical Implications

The absence of Mykolenko in the initial stages of Euro 2024 will undoubtedly impact Ukraine's defensive lineup. However, coach Rebrov has various options to explore, ensuring that the team remains competitive. Historically, Ukraine has displayed resilience in such circumstances, finding ways to adapt and excel.

Historical Context and Anticipation

Ukraine's past performances in major tournaments have shown their capability to rise to the occasion. The team’s fans and analysts are optimistic about their prospects, despite the early setback with Mykolenko's injury.

As the clock ticks down to Euro 2024, all eyes will be on Ukraine's strategies and how they navigate their group matches. Mykolenko's progress will be closely monitored, with the hope that he might contribute in later stages of the competition.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk