David Moyes has provided the latest update on Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Arsenal.
David Moyes has eased fears over Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness ahead of Everton’s daunting trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday evening. But speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Moyes delivered a reassuring update on the defender who has become integral to Everton’s push for European qualification.
The 23-year-old centre-back was substituted late in the 2-0 win over Burnley and subsequently missed the squad’s warm-weather training camp in Portugal, sparking concerns over his availability for the Emirates Stadium clash.
Moyes: ‘Jarrad we think will be fine’
The Everton manager was quizzed extensively on Branthwaite’s condition after the England international sat out last week’s trip to the Algarve as a precaution. Everton have carefully managed the 23-year-old since his return from a long-term hamstring injury that required surgery in October, and Moyes confirmed that approach continues.
On team news, the Scot said: “There’s nothing really new, no, no. We’re hoping everyone is fine and Jarrad, we think, will be okay, so we’ll go into the game and hopefully we’re all fine”.
When pressed further on managing Branthwaite’s minutes, Moyes explained the careful balancing act required. “There is times where you have to look after the players. I think the time of Jarrad’s injury, the length of his injury, meant that we were always going to have to be mindful of it”.
The Toffees boss acknowledged the defender’s importance. “He plays a big part, he’s a really good player. We want him fit for every game, but we’ve also got to take some advice at different times”.
European ambition and the road ahead
Branthwaite has featured in each of Everton’s last seven matches since returning as a half-time substitute against Leeds United on January 26, scoring his first goal in 22 months during the stunning 3-2 win at Newcastle United. His presence at the heart of defence has been crucial to Everton’s impressive away form, which sees them unbeaten on the road since December.
The Blues sit eighth in the table, five points off Chelsea with nine games remaining. Moyes acknowledged the scale of the task ahead but remained optimistic about what his side could achieve.
With Seamus Coleman and Carlos Alcaraz expected to miss out and Jack Grealish sidelined for the season, Branthwaite’s availability becomes even more critical. If Everton are to add another famous away scalp to their collection this season, their defensive lynchpin will need to be at the heart of it.
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