Everton hit by new injury blow as Jarrad Branthwaite withdraws from England U21s
Everton have a new injury to contend with as Jarrad Branthwaite has withdrawn from the England under-21s squad, according to Ian Abrahams.
The talkSPORT journalist reported from the international camp via Twitter on Wednesday (6 September) to share news of the Toffees defender dropping out along with Burnley’s Aaron Ramsey.
Branthwaite, 21, has replaced Michael Keane in the starting line-up under Sean Dyche for the previous two Premier League games, having returned from a loan at PSV Eindhoven last season.
The Everton boss has already been contending with an injury crisis in attack this season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return cut short by a fractured cheek bone at Aston Villa, while Dwight McNeil and now-Fulham man Alex Iwobi were ruled out on the wing as Jack Harrison arrived from Leeds injured.
Additionally Dele Alli and Seamus Coleman are out after respective surgeries earlier this year, and all of Keane, Lewis Dobbin and James Tarkowski are doubts currently [Premier Injuries].
Luckless
Branthwaite’s elevation to the first-team hasn’t come before time with Keane’s form fluctuating greatly, but dependent on the seriousness of the issue he has it looks like he might have to drop back out.
Ben Godfrey replaced Tarkowski when the Everton captain on the day had a shot “thundered” into his head from close range in the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United on Saturday (2 September) and would be the obvious man to step in.
But with the Toffees squad not the biggest at the best of times, and signings a struggle during the summer, the last thing that is needed at Goodison Park is a lengthy injury list.
On a positive note Branthwaite, as with his stricken teammates, now have a fortnight of recovery time thanks to the international break.
But the young centre-back’s new knock is a reminder that those who are in action for their countries are at risk of joining the growing number of unavailable men on Merseyside.
Dyche saw his side record their first point and first goals against the Blades last weekend so the campaign is belatedly under way, but he would be boosted greatly in his attempts to add to that if he ever had a full squad to call on.
In other Everton news, the club have secured a sweetener in the deal to go through with a £10million late transfer.