Everton will definitely be without Jarrad Branthwaite for the clash against Newcastle United, according to The Mirror.
The news outlet reported in their print edition [4 October, pg65] that the 22-year-old has suffered a minor muscle injury ruling him out of contention for the match on Saturday [5 October] at Goodison Park.
It is another injury blow for Branthwaite who has not long returned to the side after recovering from a groin injury sustained over the summer and is now set for another spell on the sidelines until after the international break.
Everton dealt fresh injury blow ahead of Newcastle United clash
The Blues have been dealt arguably the worst news possible ahead of the match against Newcastle, Branthwaite reminded the Premier League of his influence on the side in the superb 2-1 win against Crystal Palace last weekend.
With the second international break set to commence after the weekend’s fixtures, another victory, two in a row to be precise, would be a massive boost for Everton and Dyche, whose future appears more uncertain with each passing day.
Michael Keane and James Tarkowski, a pairing who shipped in 14 goals in five Premier League appearances are set to resume their partnership in central defence and despite Alexander Isak facing a race against time to feature for the Magpies [Craig Hope], the prospect of the centre-backs starting alongside each other will unnerve Evertonians.
Dyche should consider selecting Jake O’Brien ahead of Keane on Saturday but regardless of whoever lines up for the Blues, the absence of Branthwaite will be a crushing blow to their hopes of winning the match.
