Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Fri 13 March 2026 9:57, UK

Everton are hoping that Jarrad Branthwaite can stay fit for the rest of the season, as David Moyes seems confident to have his centre-back ready to play against Arsenal.

The Toffees head to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to face Mikel Arteta’s league leading side, in a Premier League showdown that will test Moyes’ side.

Arsenal are aiming for the title, while the Blues sit eighth in the table with a real shot of achieving a spot in European football next season.

Everton’s injury list has fluctuated throughout the season, and the availability of Branthwaite has been turbulent since his return from a long layoff.

David Moyes says Jarrad Branthwaite will be okay to play Arsenal

Branthwaite did not travel with Everton, as the Toffees set up in Portugal last weekend for training camp, while others battled it out in the FA Cup Round of 16.

The centre-back has had a long-term hamstring issue, and the reason for his exclusion from the squad that travelled to Portugal was over fitness management.

While speaking to the media ahead of Everton’s game at Arsenal, Moyes said there hasn’t been much to update on the team news front, apart from the fact that Branthwaite is fit and ready.

Moyes said: “We think he’ll be okay.”

It’s a huge boost for the Toffees, and one that could make the difference in a vital game.

The undeniable advantage Everton have over Arsenal

Arsenal just finished up the first leg of their Champions League tie against Bayern Leverkusen on Wednesday, with a team that featured multiple regular starters.

Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel, and more all played the full 90 minutes, as the Gunners were left chasing the game in the closing stages of the contest, managing to score in the 89th minute.

Everton are fresh and have come back from their travels in Portugal well rested for the task ahead.

Everyone knows how the game will look, Arsenal dominating the ball, and trying to get past the Blues’ low block, but that is also what will work for Moyes.

The longer the game goes on without Arsenal scoring, the more tired their players will get by constantly having to move and make space to get past Everton’s defence.

Moyes has the perfect advantage in place for a smash-and-grab, as even a point would be welcomed at this stage of the campaign.