AliousEverton’s defensive lineup faces a potential setback as Jarrad Branthwaite, who recently made his season debut, may be sidelined again due to a suspected thigh injury sustained during training. The England international’s return to action was short-lived, having played in the team’s recent victory against Crystal Palace. The extent of his injury is yet to be determined, but it could jeopardize his participation in the upcoming match against Newcastle at Goodison Park on Saturday evening.
If Branthwaite is unable to play, his earliest possible return would likely be after the October international break, when Everton is scheduled to face Ipswich Town. This situation poses a challenge for manager Sean Dyche, who may have to adjust his defensive strategy without the influential centre-back.
In related news, Dyche also provided an update on Dele Alli’s situation. Despite no longer being under contract with Everton, Alli has been permitted to continue his rehabilitation at the club’s facilities. However, his progress has been hampered by a recent muscle strain, distinct from his previous groin issue. Dyche described it as a minor setback but emphasized the need for caution given Alli’s extended absence from competitive play.
The manager stated, “Dele is currently focused on ensuring he’s in the right condition. He’s experienced a minor regression in his fitness, so he’s in a complete recovery phase at the moment.” Dyche further elaborated on the nature of the injury, saying, “It’s a slight muscle strain, nothing too severe, but considering the length of his absence, our priority is to get him back to full fitness.”
These developments present additional challenges for Everton as they navigate through their fixture list and manage player availability.
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