Everton’s disastrous Jarrad Branthwaite injury update could prove a huge opportunity for one player who was seemingly shut out by David Moyes.
It was the news no Everton fan would have wished for, but the Toffees are now going to see Branthwaite’s return set even further back.
After signing a new deal over the summer, Branthwaite is yet to even play for Everton this season due to injury issues.
On Monday, it was announced that Branthwaite will undergo surgery following another setback to the injury which he had just returned to training from.
Branthwaite missed Everton’s pre-season tour of America before then picking up another injury in the final friendly against AS Roma.
Although it is not what Everton fans will have wanted, this could offer some other players with an opportunity to prove themselves.
Blackburn Rovers v Everton - Pre-Season Friendly
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Everton’s injury issues are much deeper than just Jarrad Branthwaite
After landing back on Merseyside in January, Nathan Patterson has struggled under Moyes as his Everton woes continue.
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Moyes warned Patterson needs to improve if he is to have a future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Scotland international looked set for a summer exit, with Everton agreeing a loan deal with Sevilla for Patterson.
With that move falling through, Branthwaite’s injury could offer him a fresh opportunity to play some regular minutes in the starting XI.
Jake O’Brien may finally play at centre-back for Everton, with the Toffees now needing a long-term replacement for the injured Branthwaite.
If that does prove to be the case, the spot at right-back could open up for a player like Patterson to show the Blues just what he is actually capable of.
However, Patterson has picked up another injury issue following an appearance for Everton’s U21s over the international break.
Adding to that, youngster Roman Dixon has also not played at all this season following his own injury issue.
A clear need to add at right-back is becoming increasingly apparent ahead of January.
Everton need to sign a new right-back in January
During the summer window, Everton came close to adding a new right-back, but it was one of the positions that got away from the Blues.
Moyes admitted not every need could be solved in just one summer window.
Everton wanted to sign Kenny Tete who ended up remaining at Fulham following fresh talks with Marco Silva.
Although the injury to Branthwaite may initially seem like an issue at centre-back, it is becoming increasingly clear that is is at right-back where the issues lie.
O’Brien was bought as a centre-back, but the lack of options on the right side are now limiting Moyes’ ability to play the Ireland international in his natural position.