Sky Sports share surprise Jarrad Branthwaite update from Finch Farm ahead of Everton vs Aston Villa
Everton will take on Aston Villa at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday as they look to make it three consecutive Premier League wins.
The visitors have endured a torrid start to the season, but Everton have not beaten Villa at home since 2015 and will have to overcome a terrible head-to-head record.
Question marks hang over several members of David Moyes’ side, with Jarrad Branthwaite among the doubts for the clash.
Branthwaite suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury in pre-season, and the defender is yet to appear this season.
Vitaliy Mykolenko left the Ukraine national camp with an injury last week, with the 26-year-old’s involvement also unlikely.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko missing as Everton train
Adam Aznou made his return from injury last week, and the Morocco international may be handed his Everton debut in Mykolenko’s absence.
The 19-year-old’s return should allow James Garner to continue in midfield, where he enjoyed a strong performance against Wolves.
Branthwaite was said to have stepped up his recovery from injury last week, with fans hoping to see him swiftly reintroduced into Moyes’ team.
| Everton | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Goals conceded | 3 |
| xG conceded | 5.67 |
| Shots conceded | 46 |
| Tackles | 47 |
The Villa game would appear to have come too soon, however, with Vinny O’Connor reporting that there was no sight of the England international as Everton trained.
“Mykolenko is not out there and is still being assessed,” the journalist told Sky Sports on Monday.
“There’s also no Jarrad Branthwaite, who’s still recovering from a hamstring injury.”
Fans may have been expecting the 23-year-old’s reintroduction sooner, but Everton will not want to rush his recovery and risk a further setback. The defender is likely still working individually, and will target a return for the Merseyside derby next week.
James Tarkowski and Michael Keane to continue for Everton
For the most part, Everton’s defence has looked solid this season with the partnership of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane.
Against Wolves, however, momentary lapses in concentration did creep in. The former was involved in a mix-up with Jordan Pickford before the home side’s equalising goal, and the latter was caught napping along with Mykolenko to allow Rodrigo Gomes to score a late consolation.
The two will have to be on their toes when Everton welcome Villa, however, with Ollie Watkins likely to punish any mistakes.
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