Odin Samuels-Smith could earn Everton call-up v Leicester City. Credit: @EvertonAcademy
Odin Samuels-Smith could earn Everton call-up v Leicester City. Credit: @EvertonAcademy
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Odin Samuels-Smith could earn Everton senior call after injury update v Leicester City

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Sean Dyche will be desperate to claim all three points as Everton face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday (21 September).

The Toffees have been condemned to four defeats in as many games in the Premier League, seeing them sit rock-bottom of the table with zero points.

While Dyche will not want to use injuries as an excuse, the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite in defence has been blatant, and he may need to delve into the academy ahead of the clash against Leicester.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference [Liverpool Echo], the manager stated Branthwaite could be set to play for the Under-21s while Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner are going to miss out.

He also admitted that Seamus Coleman's new injury looks "worse than expected", with Michael Keane to undergo a scan, leaving plenty of spots for Dyche to hand out potential debuts.

Odin Samuels-Smith to earn Everton call-up v Leicester City?

Academy talent Odin Samuels-Smith is a name that has caught the eye at Finch Farm, and while he is categorised as a centre-back, he is much more comfortable at full-back.

The 18-year-old, who is inspired by the legendary Roberto Carlos [X], has already earned his call-up to Paul Tait's Under-21s side, with many of the more experienced youngsters being sent out on loan.

He has been described as a "versatile and quick defender" [Royal Blue Mersey], though his lack of height suggests he could be the perfect candidate to take Coleman's spot in the first team until he returns from injury.

The Toffees are currently in a sticky situation, looking set for a relegation dogfight unless things turn around, so Dyche needs players who know exactly what it means to play for the club.

While it would be extremely early for the youngster to be thrown into the senior set-up, it would be an incredible opportunity for him to gain some first-team experience.

In other Everton news, a PGMOL chief shared clarity over a contentious referee call involving the Toffees.

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