David Moyes’s latest comments on Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness must point towards Everton signing a new right-back this summer.
There are concerns over Branthwaite’s workload at Everton, which should point towards the club signing a new right-back to allow Jake O’Brien to return to his natural position.
One insider had suggested that Branthwaite would miss Everton’s trip to Arsenal, which does not seem to be the case.
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Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
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However, the concerns raised over the defender’s minutes remain a real concern as Everton prepare for what could be a pivotal summer transfer window.
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David Moyes shares Jarrad Branthwaite injury update at Everton
It appears Branthwaite will be fit enough to feature on Saturday in north London despite the reports doing the rounds.
“I think there are times where you have to look after the players. Given the timing and the length of Jared’s injury, it meant that we were always going to have to be mindful of it,” Moyes said at Finch Farm.
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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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“But look, he plays a big part; he’s a really good player. We want him fit for every game, but we’ve also just got to take some advice at different times.”
Branthwaite has now returned to playing at centre-back, but Everton’s options in that position could deplete over the summer.
Michael Keane’s contract on Merseyside is set to expire at the end of the season, which could put a strain on resources.
Moyes will need to return Jake O’Brien to centre-back to help Branthwaite
Since he returned to Merseyside, Moyes has used O’Brien as the first-choice right-back despite having players like Nathan Patterson at his disposal.
O’Brien has admitted he’s hoping to return to centre-back over the coming months and that would provide Branthwaite with some cover.
|Position|Appearances|Goals|Assists|
|---|---|
|Right-Back|39|2|1|
|Centre-Back|13|0|1|
It is becoming apparent just how serious Branthwaite’s latest injury was as his return is going to have to be managed.
Moyes has insisted he wants a new right-back at Everton, which could almost be viewed as two signings given it will offer O’Brien his chance to return through the centre.
Keane is now 33 years of age and there have been some concerns surrounding his and James Tarkowski’s lack of pace.
However, there may be more confidence in replacing Branthwaite with O’Brien going forward when the Englishman is in need of a rest.
Tarkowski has hailed O’Brien’s ‘freak athleticism’ which will provide an almost like-for-like replacement.
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