Everton are set to be without Jarrad Branthwaite for the remainder of the season.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Branthwaite will be out for two months following his latest hamstring injury suffered at the weekend.
Although it is another blow for Branthwaite and his chronic hamstring problems, it is not quite as bad as first feared.
Did Everton miss an opportunity to cash in on Branthwaite? 🫣
His constant hamstring injuries have to be a huge concern…
Jarrad Branthwaite playing for Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
There may have been some positive news for David Moyes, but he now needs to work out how he will cope without the Everton defender for the final five games.
Everton v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Michael Keane
Perhaps the most obvious choice, Michael Keane will be expected by many to be Moyes’ replacement for Branthwaite.
Keane came on for the final minutes of the Merseyside Derby at the weekend following Branthwaite being stretchered off the pitch.
Let’s say Beto isn’t fit to play, fill in the gaps ahead of Saturday’s game against West Ham… 😬
Another big decision needs to be made at centre-back, too! 🫣
Everton predicted XI to face West Ham United.
Credit: GRV Media
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Everton are set to extend Keane’s stay by a further year, with the clause in his current deal set to be activated ahead of the summer.
The 33-year-old has actually played a lot of football this season, given he was the replacement for Branthwaite during the defender’s previous hamstring injury.
Keane has racked up 28 Premier League appearances (24 starts) this season and that will be expected to rise over the coming weeks.
Jake O’Brien
Another regular in the starting XI, Jake O’Brien could finally get his opportunity to play in his natural central position.
O’Brien did play alongside James Tarkowski not too long ago after his suspension following the Wolves game.
Tarkowski has praised O’Brien’s athleticism and that is something that could elevate him against Keane when Moyes makes his selection.
With two 33-year-olds in central defence, Everton certainly lack any speed at the back.
However, Moyes has already demonstrated his lack of trust in Nathan Patterson replacing O’Brien at right-back.
Three at the back
Although incredibly unlikely, this could offer Moyes an opportunity to experiment with his current crop of players.
Both O’Brien and Keane could feature alongside Tarkowski, with Everton using Vitalii Mykolenko and a right-back as wing-backs.
Seamus Coleman played as a right-wing-back throughout the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup Qualifiers.
That would provide the Everton hero with a familiar face behind him in defence, with O’Brien playing the right-sided centre-back role for his country.
Coleman impressed for Ireland in the wing-back position, but this would be a big ask for Moyes to make such a drastic change at this stage in the season.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox