Everton: Sue Smith reacts as Jarrad Branthwaite injury ‘worry’ emerges v Bournemouth
Jarrad Branthwaite was the subject of injury concern as Everton lost 2-1 to Bournemouth, with the defender receiving treatment for what looked to be a knee injury.
Sue Smith reported that the defender had jumped up to challenge for a header before jarring his knee upon landing as he went off to receive treatment from the physios.
She later shared that he had come back onto the pitch and was moving well despite the knock, which should come as a huge relief to Sean Dyche and his team.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News [30 March, 16:31], Smith shared: “There was a bit of a worry for Everton, Branthwaite went up for a header and it looked like he jarred his knee.
“He went off for a little bit and had treatment and he’s come back on. He seems to be moving okay thankfully for Everton.”
Jarrad Branthwaite injury concern emerges from Everton v Bournemouth
It will be a huge relief to hear that the blow was not significant enough to remove him from the game, although checks will likely be carried out as a precaution following the full-time whistle to avoid any further issues.
This comes the week after Branthwaite was left on the bench for both England games against Brazil and Belgium, much to the confusion of Ian Wright, as he was taken away from Finch Farm as part of the England squad despite his lack of minutes.
The defender’s performances at Goodison Park have been so impressive that he has earned transfer links to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, so for Southgate to completely overlook him in the friendlies was strange.
It was a disappointing day all around for the Toffees as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Vitality Stadium while relegation rivals Nottingham Forest secured a point at home against Crystal Palace, narrowing the gap at the bottom.
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