Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite expected to return from injury after international break
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to be fit after the international break following a “minor groin issue” sustained with the England under-21s.
The club officially confirmed (6 September) that the 21-year-old has withdrawn from the international squad and will remain at Finch Farm for treatment.
Branthwaite has ousted Michael Keane as one of Sean Dyche’s starting centre-backs, having started the last two Premier League fixtures.
Let off
One thing Everton needs some more of is luck, and Branthwaite’s injury only being minor is a huge boost for the Toffees.
The youngster has displaced the more experienced Michael Keane from the starting lineup after Everton’s poor defensive start to the season, shipping five goals in the opening two fixtures.
While the Toffees’ fortunes haven’t completely changed, their convincing 2-2 draw against Sheffield United before the international break has given the Goodison Park faithful something to cheer about, and Branthwaite’s performances have been significant since his introduction.
The former Carlisle United man put in a shift against the Blades, with four clearances, two interceptions, three tackles, and six successful ground duels, showing his importance to the side and his improvement on the out-of-form Keane. [SofaScore]
Everton’s run-in after the international break is tough and Branthwaite’s availability will be significant. Dyche will greet Arsenal straight off the bat, before facing Brentford away and Aston Villa in the League Cup.
The side will need to pick up some points from the league fixtures if they want to start distancing themselves from the all-too-familiar drop zone, so fans will be thrilled to learn Branthwaite is just a short-term absentee.
In other Everton news, the Toffees’ summer signings have neem rated, with one attacker not living up to the hupe so far.