Jarrad Branthwaite has returned to Everton’s starting XI, but David Moyes’ insistence on playing him at left-back may have done more harm than good.
Having missed the first half of the season, Branthwaite made his return to the fold for the game on home soil against Leeds United.
Moyes has used the 23-year-old in all seven of Everton’s Premier League games since returning from his hamstring surgery.
Moyes’ current deal expires next year… 🤔
Everton manager David Moyes.
Everton have been warned about Branthwaite’s fitness this week, which may come as a result of Moyes’ insistence on playing the defender at full-back.
Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League
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Jarrad Branthwaite fitness concern raised at Everton
With no FA Cup game at the weekend, Everton jetted off to Portugal for a quick warm-weather training trip.
However, Branthwaite was not included in the squad that travelled as he focused on his workload following his return from injury.
What do you think is Jarrad Branthwaite’s best position? 🤔
Moyes is convinced he's just as good at left-back… 😬
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma. David Moyes, head coach of Everton, during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park.
Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger/James Gill – Danehouse.
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James Garner was impressed with Branthwaite and his goal in the recent victory over Newcastle United.
The short break ahead of the trip to Arsenal this weekend will have come as a welcome opportunity to recover for the defender.
David Moyes may be risking Branthwaite amid full-back insistence
Fans naturally want to see the best XI fielded at every opportunity, but caution is needed with Branthwaite.
Having been used three times recently at left-back, Branthwaite admitted he wanted to play at centre-back if possible.
It has to be remembered that Branthwaite missed the opening 22 games of the Premier League games, he has averaged 70 minutes-per-game since returning.
Matchday Opponent Result Position Goals Assists Minutes
23 Leeds United 1–1 CB 0 0 45′
24 Brighton 1–1 LB 0 0 89′
25 Fulham FC 1–2 W LB 0 0 5′
26 Bournemouth 1–2 L CB 0 1 90′
27 Man Utd 0–1 L LB 0 0 90′
28 Newcastle 2–3 L CB 1 0 90′
29 Burnley FC 2–0 W CB 0 0 83′
TOTAL 1 1 492′
Returning from his long-term injury, Moyes’ decision to insist with squeezing Branthwaite in at left-back, despite Vitalii Mykolenko being fit, may prove a costly one.
The update claims Everton are going to have to manage Branthwaite’s minutes for the remainder of the season.
Branthwaite was absent for around half a year with his hamstring issue, perhaps he should have been eased back into the side a bit slower in hindsight.
Moyes has claimed Branthwaite is just as good at left-back as he is at centre-back, but the player himself has snubbed that notion.
With a trip to Arsenal this weekend, Moyes will have to decide whether Branthwaite is capable of starting as Michael Keane waits in the wings.
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