Jarrad Branthwaite is still yet to play a minute of Premier League football for Everton this season, with Crystal Palace coming to Merseyside on Sunday.
Everton fans have been left waiting to welcome their centre-back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium following his new deal over the summer.
Injuries have plagued David Moyes’ return to the club ever since he replaced Sean Dyche back in January.
Branthwaite suffered an injury setback against AS Roma in the final pre-season friendly of the summer.
This came after Branthwaite missed Everton’s tour of the USA due to an injury issue, which Everton were said to have been taking with a lot of precaution.
Weeks into the new season and the 23-year-old is yet to lace up his boots at the new stadium.
Everton News’ transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has now shared his understanding of the expectations surrounding a return for Branthwaite.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite injury update ahead of Everton vs Crystal Palace
Fans will hear from Moyes later on Friday where an official update will be given on the defender.
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Before the Merseyside Derby, Moyes said Branthwaite is nearing a return to the pitch, but he was not quite ready in time for the trip to Anfield.
Having not played on Monday night, Bailey has told Everton News that he is fully expecting the Toffees to give Branthwaite the international break to fully recover before Manchester City.
“They don’t want to rush him, he is not far away, but I believe that with the international break coming they are probably looking at the Man City game,” said Bailey.
“He has taken a slightly longer than they thought, but they when he comes back, they want him to be fit for the rest of the season not just blocks of time.”
Everton News understands that Everton will laugh away any interest in Branthwaite during the upcoming winter market.
The Blues have signed their centre-back to a new deal and fully expect him to be a key member of the squad in The Friedkin Group’s project.
Branthwaite’s injury record is slightly concerning
Injuries are beginning to rack up on Branthwaite’s record, with the 23-year-old’s availability leaving a lot to be desired.
A groin issue plagued Branthwaite last season, which forced the defender into having surgery after a number of setbacks.
Season Injury Games missed
25/26 Hamstring 8
24/25 Groin 4
24/25 Groin 10
24/25 Groin 7
Fortunately for Everton, Michael Keane has excelled in Branthwaite’s absence and even got on the scoresheet on Monday.
Duncan Ferguson was left so impressed with Keane’s performance against the Hammers.
However, the club will be keen to have their star defender back in action sooner rather than later.