Why Jarrad Branthwaite has not travelled with Everton for their United States pre-season tour

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Everton’s players have now jetted off for the United States ahead of the Summer Series.

David Moyes will be hoping for some new potential signings to join up with his squad over in the States, but for now, his squad is set.

There is still plenty of time for Everton to get some signings under their belt, but Moyes is demanding more additions.

Thierno Barry has finally joined up with his new teammates, and has boarded the flight to the States after just two full days at Finch Farm.

There are other players who will be looking to catch the eye, with Harrison Armstrong facing an important summer at Everton.

However, it has now been revealed that Jarrad Branthwaite has not travelled with the squad for the pre-season friendlies.

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Jarrad Branthwaite did not travel with Everton to the United States

At the end of last season, Branthwaite suffered an injury which kept him out of the final game against Newcastle United.

Branthwaite has just inked a new Everton contract earlier this summer.

The 23-year-old was in action for the Blues on the weekend in the defeat away to Blackburn Rovers, but he was not on the flight to America.

According to one insider, Branthwaite has been left at Finch Farm due to a minor injury picked up.

This is far from the preparations the defender would have wanted heading into the new season.

As for Moyes, this may only highlight the need to add another centre-back, given Branthwaite’s injury record is far from blemish-free.

Mark Travers has waxed lyrical about Branthwaite already, but the defender will now be pushing himself to be fit for the start of the season.

Everton have a pre-season friendly when they return from America against AS Roma, and it will be interesting to see whether he is fit enough to play in that.

• READ MORE: Everton plotting Newcastle upset for £40m striker who scored eight more goals than Thierno Barry

Jake O’Brien handed a big opportunity to shine

Last week, Jake O’Brien admitted he would play at right-back if needed this season.

The Ireland international did impress under Moyes playing out of position, but this is now another opportunity for him to shine in his natural role.

It will be interesting to see whether Everton’s attention turns to bolstering their numbers at the back in the market.

They do hold options with Michael Keane signing a new Everton contract.

However, James Tarkowski has also shown at the end of last season that he is not completely resistant to picking up an injury.

Fingers will be crossed this is only a ‘minor’ issue, but it’s not what Moyes will have wanted heading across the pond.