Everton had some key players back in the 1-1 draw vs Leeds United on Monday night.
After some really disappointing injury news regarding Jack Grealish last week, it was pleasing to see Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall back in action last night.
The Everton stars came on at half-time, and they both looked really sharp after a long spell on the sidelines.
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For Branthwaite in particular, it’s been a very tough period with injury, as that was actually his first appearance of the season.
That said, the England international had a message for Toffees fans after the game.
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Jarrad Branthwaite so happy to be back after five months out
Branthwaite has been on the sidelines for five months after sustaining a hamstring injury that later required surgery against Roma.
The 23-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the division, immediately showed his class in the 45-minute cameo last night.
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After the game, Branthwaite released a short statement on his Instagram, which read: “So happy to be back. Been a long road. We keep pushing.”
Jake O’Brien commented: “Like you never left.”
Dewsbury-Hall responded with the TOP emoji, so clearly Branthwaite’s teammates are delighted to have him back and recognise what a great impact he can have on the remainder of the season.
David Moyes admits Jarrad Branthwaite isn’t ready to start
Speaking to Everton’s media team after the Leeds draw, Moyes admitted that Branthwaite isn’t quite ready to start games.
“(Jarrad and Kiernan) – these two boys are starters for us, for our football club, but they’re not ready to start yet.
“Jarrad’s played no football – he’s trained, but he’s been out for the best part of eight months. Kieran’s been playing, obviously, and picked up a hamstring injury. So I was a bit more sure he would be okay.”
The Toffees are back in action against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, so Branthwaite will likely be starting from the bench again.
It sounds as though Dewsbury-Hall could start, though.
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