In a disappointing scenario, Jarrad Branthwaite will miss the start of Everton’s new season.
It’s a campaign which is expected to be full of hope and promise, but it’s not the start David Moyes was after.
Branthwaite will be out for six weeks as the Toffees now have to scramble around their options and find their best-suited defence.
Moyes still wants a right-back as the position will no doubt have become more of a priority for Everton following the news.
With this situation considered, Evertonians can only see one thing happening ahead of Leeds United on Monday.
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Everton fans can’t see any other ‘alternative’ than Michael Keane replacing Jarrad Branthwaite
With the 22-year-old coming off the back of a new contract, it’s certainly not the start he expected.
A hamstring injury is never nice, but the Scotsman will know they just have to move on, and Everton fans think Michael Keane is the only possible option.
Speaking on X, one Toffees fan put: “The high was good while it lasted. I’d bring Keane in and hope for 2 defenders before the end of the window.” another added, “Just chuck in Keane and Aznou against Leeds. Make them worry about us at the other end.”
Following the injury, the Blues faithful know a right-back is now needed more than ever: “What a blow… looking like this for Leeds then, O’Brien Tarkowski Keane Aznou, Need a RB signed ASAP,” with a supporter adding “Always the risk that Keane would get significant game time…due to our continual inability to sign a functioning RB. You can sigh all the DH/Grealish’s you want, but if you don’t have a functioning RB, you are in trouble. I mean, only been 4 years, this has been an issue.”
“With Jarrad Branthwaite being injured for 4-6 weeks, I’d still expect to see O’Brien at right back with Michael Keane starting in the centre. It’s not ideal, it’s not pretty, but honestly can’t see an alternative,” these frustrations were followed by another adding, “Appalling, but almost inevitable.”
After last season, Everton fans were frustrated with Keane, so as much as they agree, they might not be too happy.
The supporters will be angered, but one player in the squad might be sharing the same feeling.
Jake O’Brien might be frustrated as he can’t seem to get away from right-back at Everton
To see Branthwaite potentially miss the opening seven games is a real blow, and as much as Keane has impressed for the Toffees at times, it’s a significant downgrade.
But more to the matter, Jake O’Brien will no doubt be frustrated that he’s likely to play right-back again.
O’Brien finds it ‘weird’ playing at right-back, and although he was solid there last season, his true calling is in the middle of the defence.
After Moyes promised O’Brien a centre-back role, the news of Branthwaite means he will have to wait a little bit longer, as Keane looks to be the man to fill his absence.
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