David Moyes delivered a positive Everton injury update ahead of his side's important Premier League fixture at Brentford on Saturday
Jarrad Branthwaite during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St. James's Park. Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St. James's Park. Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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David Moyes described Jarrad Branthwaite as “fit and raring to go” as he gave a positive squad update ahead of Everton’s game with Brentford.
The centre-back missed the narrow defeat at Arsenal and did not start the win over Chelsea ahead of the international break, though he did come off the bench at Hill Dickinson Stadium in that latter match.
There had been concerns over his workload as Branthwaite continued his return from a five month lay-off with hamstring issues. But speaking at his press conference on Friday, Moyes suggested he had few doubts over the defender heading into the run-in.
The Blues boss also hinted that he had an almost full squad to choose from - a significant boost given Iliman Ndiaye and Vitalii Mykolenko missed international games during the break with injuries.
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Asked about the state of his squad ahead of Saturday's crucial match at Brentford, Moyes said: “They are all fine, the players are fine.
“We have just about got a fully fit squad. Charly Alcaraz is back in early training so he’s not available for the game but he’s getting closer to being fit again.”
Jack Grealish is the only long-term absentee as he recovers from with a stress fracture to his foot.
Moyes’ response provided good news after three weeks without a game.
Ndiaye missed both matches for Senegal during the break with a foot injury he was said to have suffered with Everton.
The attacker was involved in open training at Hill Dickinson Stadium this week and Moyes’ comments point to his availability and that of Mykolenko, who missed a Ukraine game with an adductor issue.
The Blues travel to Brentford this weekend for a game that could prove pivotal in the race for Europe.
The clubs are level on points and both within striking distance of the Champions League spots with seven games to go.