Everton’s pre-season has not got off to the most blistering of starts, having first rescued a draw against Sligo Rovers before just yesterday losing to Salford City.
Sean Dyche attests that this is all part of the process, and that gaining fitness is the main goal, but the confidence that a strong pre-season can bring for the new Premier League season is certainly quantifiable.
Fortunately, there is still time to turn things around, whilst it is also worth noting that there have been huge gaps left in the squad through injury and unavailability.
The gaffer has actually just provided an update on that situation.
Sean Dyche provides Jarrad Branthwaite injury update
Speaking to Everton’s official website immediately after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Salford City, Dyche sought to offer some justification for the poor result.
Looking towards his treatment table, he combed over a whole host of his star men, including Jarrad Branthwaite, explaining when they would be back in the side.
The former Burnley boss claimed: ‘We’re a way short of our main group, which we know, due to injuries and we still need support through the markets, which we’re looking to do.
‘Tarky’s coming through things at the moment, so that’s good. Gana, we had to be careful with, but he’s coming through things and Myko’s the same. Dele’s getting closer but has still a bit to go with his fitness.
‘Ili [Iliman Ndiaye] is another knock, nothing too serious, so he should be back around it next week.
‘Jarrad’s making steps forwards. He’s not ready yet. He won’t be back next week but should be after that.
‘The main message is they are not serious injuries but at this stage of pre-season when they’ve done a lot of work we have to be careful, hence why we took the main group of players off here as they are getting fitter and stronger after a big week, which they have had.
‘Jesper’s literally just got in the door. He is up and running, though, and he’s had a good spell of pre-season work. He feels pretty good so I think he’ll be up and running pretty quickly.’
Could Jarrad Branthwaite leave Everton this summer?
Regarding their prized asset, the England international, there has been much speculation and an ever-changing stance from all parties involved.
After all, the summer truly kicked off with Manchester United’s interest in Branthwaite, which has died down in recent weeks ever since they opted for LOSC Lille’s Leny Yoro.
However, if the Red Devils’ past is anything to go by, they have never been shy of spending big and recklessly in the market to get their main target, of which the 22-year-old clearly was one.
Adding another element of confusion into proceedings is Branthwaite’s contract situation, which remains unresolved following his latest wage demands.
So, whilst Dyche will not want to sell his prized asset, should things keep going against him and a fresh, much higher bid come in, their hand might be forced.
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