David Moyes’ latest Jarrad Branthwaite admission seals fate of Everton teammate
David Moyes is ready to welcome Jarrad Branthwaite back to Everton’s matchday squads soon.
Branthwaite has been out injured with a serious hamstring injury, which has prevented the Englishman from making a single competitive appearance this term.
On Tuesday, Moyes provided an update on Branthwaite’s impending return and claimed that Everton are in “need” of the centre-back.
Moyes said: “Jarrad’s getting closer to the grass, so we hope we can get him back by the end of the month. We need him back. There is a plan for him and how he works, and he is on that at the moment.”
While the centre-back’s presence has been missed, defence hasn’t been a glaring weakness for the Toffees, which makes one man’s future on Merseyside now seem in doubt.
Michael Keane will have no way back into Everton squad
Michael Keane has played more than he probably would have expected to this season, but there’s no denying that he’s been a surprise performer.
Moyes has no real other choice but to play the 32-year-old at centre-back while Jake O’Brien has been filling in at right-back position.
It’s not as though Everton’s backline has been tormented either, as the Toffees have a top-end clean sheet record so far this season.
Everton’s defensive record in the Premier League:
- Matches: 17
- Clean sheets: six
- Clean sheet ranking: fourth highest
As highlighted by Sofascore, Keane has a rating of 7.01 in the league, which is marginally less than James Tarkowski’s score of 7.16, who is seen as irreplaceable by some.
The defender has chipped in with goals as well as crucial goal-saving interventions, and hasn’t been praised enough.
It’s clear who Moyes’ favourite is, and once Branthwaite manages to get back into Everton’s starting lineups, Keane will be gone.
David Moyes is already planning to replace Keane
Everton have been linked to Real Betis’ Nobel Mendy, as suggestions are that the defender will be Keane’s replacement.
There is truth in that the Toffees need to start planning ahead of Keane due to his age, but a lack of game time will only mean one thing.
The Englishman will want to play football at the back end of his career, and if Everton can’t give him that, then he will leave.
Keane has more than proved that he’s still capable of playing and performing in the Premier League, and will no doubt be an attractive signing for a lower-table club.
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