David Moyes shares Jarrad Branthwaite injury update ahead of Everton vs Aston Villa
Everton are set to take on Aston Villa at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, with David Moyes looking to make it three Premier League wins on the spin.
The Toffees come into the game in fifth after a successful end to August.
This saw Jack Grealish win the Premier League Player of the Month award for August due to his sensational displays.
Now, Moyes faces another challenge as out-of-form Villa visit Merseyside on Saturday.
However, the Scotsman has now received a boost ahead of the tie as he updates fans on the current injury situation, including Jarrad Branthwaite.
Jarrad Branthwaite injury update ahead of Everton vs Aston Villa
Branthwaite has been out of action for Everton since pre-season.
The defender picked up a hamstring injury, which has seen Michael Keane step into the starting XI to cover the centre-back.
However, despite Keane playing well for Everton, Branthwaite is clearly needed back in the lineup.
- Branthwaite has been out for Everton with a hamstring injury
- The centre-back also suffered an injury at the start of the last campaign
- Keane has been forced to step in for the England star
The centre-back has been crucial for the Toffees and his added quality would clearly enhance their chances of winning.
Now, Moyes has confirmed Branthwaite is getting closer to full fitness, but won’t be available for the Aston Villa game, and suggested it could be weeks until he returns.
He said: “Jarrad is getting closer but he’s not quite there yet.”
- Read more: David Moyes holds impressive Everton record only bettered by Newcastle ahead of Aston Villa clash
Vitalii Mykolenko injury update
Also on the sidelines for Everton is Vitalii Mykolenko.
The left-back had only recently made a comeback from an injury last month and started in the victory over Wolves.
However, the defender picked up an injury while on international duty for Ukraine and was quickly sent home.
Moyes has now confirmed that the left-back could be available for the match, but has neither confirmed nor denied if he will be involved in the Aston Villa game.
“Myko is around it, we will have to see,” he said.
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