Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite could make his return to training with Everton sooner rather than later.
The Toffees have been without their star defender since April, when he suffered an injury that required him to be stretchered off the pitch.
That was one of just seven Premier League games he started last term, showcasing the struggles he has had in that regard.
Branthwaite has been undergoing physiotherapy ever since, and has been aiming for a return ahead of the next campaign.
Everton face Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season, as they look to put the end of last campaign behind them.
And as per the latest reports, Branthwaite may have a role to play.
What's the latest on Jarrad Branthwaite's injury?
Both Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have had their fair shair of criticism over the last 12 months, demonstrating the need for Branthwaite to return.
Fortunately for the Toffees, that may be on the horizon.
A report from the Liverpool Echo states that Everton have "confidence" that the defender will be able to start pre-season.
The Toffees kick off their pre-season friendlies with a clash against Hamburg on 1 July, though his chances of featuring in that are slim.
However, there will be faith that he can get back onto the pitch for several of their other summer encounters.
David Moyes resting on Branthwaite's return for one key reason
Defensively, Keane and Tarkowski are usually reliable for the Toffees.
However, their ability on the ball is limited, and that has impacted Everton's willingess to play the game how they typically want to.
In comparison, Branthwaite thrives on the ball, and his return would allow David Moyes to revert back to the way of playing from the back.
Only 8.9 per cent of Premier League defenders had a higher long ball accuracy than him last season, just demonstrating the strength that he has to offer.
Everton must be careful when that time comes, knowing that throwing him into the deep end could come with a risk of the injury recurring.
But for the most part, they will just be glad to have him back available.