Jarrad Branthwaite injury news a big concern for Everton ahead of Aston Villa game
Everton manager Sean Dyche has poured water on the chances of Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson being available to face Aston Villa.
Speaking after the 3-2 loss to Bournemouth at the weekend, Dyche confirmed that the two defenders are not yet fit enough to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly scheduled during the upcoming international break.
As per the Liverpool Echo (2 September), neither appear likely to make their returns to action against Aston Villa in two weeks' time.
The Toffees' fourth Premier League match against high-flying Villa takes place after the two-week break; Dyche's side having suffered three straight defeats including a capitulation against Bournemouth.
Dyche was asked about the availability of Branthwaite and Patterson for the friendly over the break, saying: “They are not there yet.”
Everton need Jarrad Branthwaite fit and firing for Aston Villa test
Defensive statistics at Goodison Park just three games into the new campaign make for very grim reading, with just two goals scored and 10 conceded – six of which have come in two home games.
Losing 3-2 to Bournemouth having been two goals to the good after 86 minutes is the biggest inclination of all that, even when leading for the first time this season, the Toffees' defensive ability is wafer-thin.
The return of Branthwaite, therefore, cannot come quickly enough, with the centre-back having earned international honours and a £70million price tag [James Ducker, 15 June] with exceptional performances last season.
Patterson also would solve a big problem at right-back this season, which has already seen Dyche throw academy youngster Roman Dixon into the firing line after Ashley Young's opening-day red card.
New signing Jake O'Brien is waiting in the wings and could become first-choice alongside Branthwaite in defence, but it's unlikely Dyche will have such luxuries to choose from at Villa Park in two weeks' time.
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