Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (right) is embraced by manager David Moyes as he leaves the pitch
Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (right) is embraced by manager David Moyes as he leaves the pitch
Everton could be without their first choice centre-back pairing for next Sunday's final-day Premier League game with Newcastle United at St James' Park, after defending Jarrad Branthwaite limped out of their 2-0 win over Southampton.
There could be plenty riding on the game for Eddie Howe's side, who are looking to secure Champions League football with a top-five Premier League finish. They can all-but ensure that with a win at Arsenal today, but with Aston Villa and Chelsea currently level on points, and Man City and Nottingham Forest chasing, nothing will be mathetically decided until the season is over.
Everton come to Tyneside after signing off at Goodison Park for the final time, with a comfortable victory over the already-relegated Saints. Two goals from Iliman N'Diaye earned David Moyes' side the win in what was an emotional day on Merseyside.
However, key defender Branthwaite appeared to pull his hamstring towards the end of the second half, with Michael Keane replacing him. That puts a major question mark over whether he will be fit for the trip to Newcastle in what will be a major blow for Everton. They are already missing James Tarkowski, with the former Burnley defender out for the season following an operation on his hamstring.
Captain Seamus Coleman, the club's longest-serving player, also came off in the first half, and is now a doubt for next weekend. The Republic of Ireland full-back started his first match since Boxing Day after injury but lasted just 18 minutes.
Jake O'Brien and Michael Keane could be Everton's only two fit centre-backs for the game at Newcastle, with Ashley Young potentially starting in place of Coleman in what will be his final game for the club.