Everton lost the Merseyside Derby to Liverpool – and there was added dismay for fans, who watched Jarrad Branthwaite leave the pitch on a stretcher.
Virgil van Dijk’s late header broke blue hearts at HDS, and dealt the Toffees a blow in their hunt for European football.
Realistically, Champions League football will now be beyond Everton.
Does Michael Keane deserve a new contract at Everton? 😬
He is currently set to become a free agent in the summer… 👋
Michael Keane of Everton thanks the supporters after the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto.
But with the table being so tight, there is still every chance of playing in the Europa League or Conference League.
A big finish is required. And seemingly, Jarrad Branthwaite will not be a part of it for Everton.
Branthwaite went off in the late stages against Liverpool with what looked to be a hamstring injury, and the scenes of him departing on a stretcher were worrying.
But this does now hand a big opportunity to Michael Keane, who likely has his eyes on a new contract.
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Michael Keane could bag himself Everton contract extension amid Branthwaite injury
Jarrad Branthwaite playing for Everton.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
David Moyes admitted he’s worried about Branthwaite’s latest setback, and that concern is shared by supporters.
It is a huge shame, and it very much looks like something that’ll keep him out for a while, judging by his reaction when it happened.
But Everton do have Keane in reserve – and he could now get the heavy involvement in the team he perhaps needs to convince the higher-ups to give him a new contract.
As things currently stand, he will leave this summer when his existing deal expires.
How worried are you about Branthwaite’s inability to stay fit? 🤕
He's become a real liability in terms of his fitness 😫
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton FC reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej/MB Media
Keane has already suggested he’s open to staying at Everton, stating in February: “We do sprints every week and I know I’m not getting any slower. I don’t feel like I’ve ever been a player that’s relied on my pace. So, I know I’ve got a lot to give and I’ve got a lot of years left. Hopefully I can be here for as long as possible.”
But obviously, he is not getting any younger, and it’s possible The Friedkin Group and the recruitment team may look to sign a younger player this summer.
A centre-back is one of the top priorities for Everton, and there have been links to several players already.
But Keane certainly has a case to be offered an extension.
Michael Keane playing for Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
When Branthwaite was out for the first half of the season with injury, he was one of Everton’s most consistent players at the back alongside James Tarkowski.
He’s seen a bit less involvement since Branthwaite’s return, which was to be expected.
But now it looks like he’ll have a run in the team. If he can recapture the form he showed in the first half of the season, then surely he’ll bag that extension he is seemingly very keen to get.
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