Jarrad Branthwaite was absent through injury as Everton suffered a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal on Saturday.
The England international was in need of a rest after playing the entire 90 minutes in three of the last four Premier League outings prior to the defeat in north London, having missed the first 22 Premier League games of the season with a serious hamstring problem.
Fortunately – according to Patrick Boyland of The Athletic – there is nothing emerging from the Hill Dickinson Stadium to suggest Jarrad Branthwaite will be out for a considerable amount of time.
Who was your Man of the Match in what was a positive performance? 👏
The players deserved so much more… 😡
Jarrad Branthwaite injury understood to not be “particularly bad”
Speaking on The Blue Room on YouTube, the Everton correspondent discussed the absences of James Tarkowski and Branthwaite, saying: “I’ve not picked up on any significant concern around Tarkowski for example.
“I’m aware of the rumours on Branthwaite, but I haven’t heard anything to suggest that the Branthwaite one right now is particularly bad either. It was obviously a massive blow late on (before the Arsenal game).”
That will come as a major relief to Everton fans.
Keeping Branthwaite fit and available on a weekly basis is sure to be pivotal towards any success Everton may have either this season or in the coming campaigns.
Even in an attacking sense, the Everton No.32 is crucial, scoring once and providing one assist in his last four Premier League appearances.
After David Moyes gave a pretty strange response when asked about Branthwaite and Tarkowski following the loss against Arsenal, this update will surely leave Everton fans feeling a lot more positive about the situation.
However, any positive feelings will evaporate if Moyes continues to field the 23-year-old at left-back.
What do you think is Jarrad Branthwaite’s best position? 🤔
Moyes is convinced he's just as good at left-back… 😬
Fans were already complaining about players being fielded out of position, and the added fitness demands required to play at left-back are the last thing Branthwaite needs after such a long time out due to hamstring issues.
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