Jarrad Branthwaite 'huge' boost imminent at Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite is set to return imminently for Everton in a "huge" boost, according to The Athletic.

The news outlet reported on 26 September that Branthwaite will soon be back on the pitch following groin surgery in the summer, an operation which has kept him on the sidelines all season so far.

While acknowledging it has been a "turbulent" start, the England defender's return is expected to give a massive uplift to Sean Dyche's squad.

Everton need Jarrad Branthwaite back

In a relatively short space of time, Branthwaite became arguably Everton's most valuable player - reflected in the heavy pursuit of his services by Manchester United over the summer.

After selling Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50million, the Toffees were unable to stand firm and keep United at bay, with Branthwaite having to recuperate from his groin operation.

His last appearance was his England debut in early June, a mark of the progress the young man has made as he represented an upturn in form late last season under Dyche.

If Branthwaite can come and slot back into a leaky defence having featured for the Under-21 side in the week, it will be a huge help that can steer the side clear of relegation danger again.

It has been exposed what Everton are like without him in the side, and it could be utterly costly to miss him any longer.

In other Everton news, Dan Bardell doubts Dyche's authority at Goodison Park.

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