Everton have been dealt an injury blow with star man Jarrad Branthwaite facing a battle to be fit for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle after suffering a setback in training.
Sean Dyche had been without England defender Branthwaite for the first four league matches of this term but his return last weekend coincided – perhaps not by coincidence – with their first win of the campaign against Crystal Palace.
But Mail Sport understands he has suffered a new blow with a quad injury that could halt his return to full fitness. The injury is not said to be serious and, if he were to miss the Newcastle clash, Branthwaite would hope to return soon after the international break.
Since the start of last season, the Toffees have won 1.4 points per game with Branthwaite in the side compared to just 0.4 in games he has missed. The 22-year-old won his first call-up to the England squad on the back of a stellar season and received much interest for a summer move.
Manchester United saw three bids rejected for the former Carlisle man but Everton stood firm on their valuation and insisted they were not going to be bullied into a sale.
Everton have been dealt an injury blow with Jarrad Branthwaite in a race against time to be fit for the weekend's game against Newcastle
Mail Sport reported earlier this week that rivals – to both Everton and United – Liverpool have considered hijacking the Red Devils’ attempts to sign Branthwaite. In the summer, Everton quoted clubs a fee of around £75million for the highly-rated defender.
He has a deal up until 2027 at Goodison Park with the option of an extra year.