Everton face fresh disruption after Jarrad Branthwaite announcement
Everton have been handed a blow, as star player Jarrad Branthwaite has picked up an injury.
Branthwaite has been one of the Toffees’ best players in the last two seasons and is a crucial figure in the back line.
Everton have managed to tie the centre-back to a new deal in a huge boost, but have been handed a fresh blow over his fitness.
David Moyes’ side are yet to heavily recruit beyond the signing of Thierno Barry, and with the season just weeks away, they could end up suffering in the opening few weeks.
Branthwaite to miss pre-season tour
Branthwaite featured as Everton were beaten by Blackburn Rovers in a pre-season friendly, and there was another blow beyond the result as he picked up an injury.
Everton have now announced (24 July) that Branthwaite is not part of the squad headed to the USA to compete in the Premier League Summer Series, as part of the Toffees’ pre-season preparation.
This is as a result of a “minor niggle” the defender sustained against Blackburn, and he will now remain at Finch Farm to recover.
| Everton’s pre-season schedule | Date |
| Everton vs Bournemouth | 26 July |
| West Ham vs Everton | 30 July |
| Manchester United vs Everton | 3 August |
| Everton vs Roma | 9 August |
Everton will face Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester United in their pre-season tour, but they will be without Branthwaite for these matches, and this could disrupt their start to the campaign.
x.com/Everton/status/1948395076406984970Everton’s Premier League start could be disrupted
Everton will face Leeds and Brighton in their opening two Premier League games before a trip to Wolves, but with Branthwaite missing pre-season, these games may have just become a lot more difficult.
While it is only a minor injury for Branthwaite, missing out on three pre-season matches will deny him the chance to get match-fit, and this could disrupt his start to the domestic campaign.
Given Branthwaite’s importance, this could end up costing league points if he is not fully up to speed, and the lack of signings on tour integrating themselves into the squad is also a concern.
Everton cannot afford to drop points in what is a fairly favourable start, before more difficult fixtures start coming up in September and October, and Branthwaite’s absence on tour is far from ideal in this sense.
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