Everton team news v Aston Villa in early Jarrad Branthwaite update

Everton will be without defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the Premier League clash against Aston Villa on 14 September, according to Ben Dinnery.

The injury expert reported on Premier Injuries [9 September] that the 22-year-old will likely not return to the side until 28 September.

Sean Dyche will also be without summer signing Armando Broja, Youssef Chermiti, and Nathan Patterson for the next few weeks.

Everton injury news on Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite enjoyed a breakout season at Goodison Park last term and emerged as an integral cog in the Everton side that finished fifteenth in the Premier League, 14 points clear of the relegation zone.

After a long-drawn-out transfer saga with Manchester United throughout the summer [GMS], Dyche and Everton supporters alike, will have been relieved that the club held on to his services.

His impact on the side has become apparent in the opening stages of the Premier League season, the Blues have conceded 10 goals in three matches and are dead last in the league table.

Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite is still at Everton

Despite bringing in seven new faces this summer, Kevin Thelwell neglected to strengthen the defensive options after Jake O’Brien and Everton have paid the price for his oversight.

Dyche has been forced to rely on his fringe options with Michael Keane deputising at centre-back whereas 39-year-old Ashley Young and 19-year-old Roman Dixon have featured at right-back.

The boss has a mountain to climb to overturn his side’s fortunes, with Champions League side Aston Villa and a reunion with Amadou Onana next up and no sign of Branthwaite.

It will be no easy feat to immediately return to winning ways in the league.

In other Everton news, the Blues’ victory over the Premier League is set to bite all 20 clubs.

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