Jarrad Branthwaite under ‘stress’ as Everton distractions detailed before Brighton game
Bryan King has questioned whether Jarrad Branthwaite’s mind is in the right place as Everton exit speculation continues to swirl.
The ex-Goodison scout claims the defender’s absence would be a “blow” with the Premier League set to return.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo (4 August), Branthwaite is facing a battle to be fit for the opening game of the season against Brighton at Goodison Park on Saturday 17 August.
The 22-year-old is yet to feature in pre-season, and King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – has questioned how Branthwaite must be feeling.
“It would be a blow for Everton and the player if he were to miss the opening game of the season,” King said.
“Is his mind in the right place? Is he thinking about a move away from Goodison Park?
“All these things will be causing him a lot of stress, and I’m sure that hasn’t helped. He had the disappointment of missing out on the UEFA European Championship with England too.
“Contract talks, a failed move to Manchester United. All of these things will have a bearing on his performances.”
Jarrad Branthwaite to miss out for Everton v Brighton?
After all of the transfer speculation around Branthwaite, it appears as though it is an injury which could keep him away from Goodison Park.
The central defender’s future remains up in the air. Therefore, that won’t be doing his pre-season preparations any favours.
Sean Dyche will no doubt want Branthwaite’s future to be resolved before the season gets underway. The Everton boss will want to know whether or not the player can be included as part of his plans.
In other Everton news, the club have made contact over a brand-new transfer as a £30million update emerges.
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