Everton’s season has gone from bad to worse, with one of their key players set to miss the crucial clash against Leicester due to a “strange” injury setback.
The club has already endured a rocky start, having thrown away 2-0 leads to lose 3-2 to Bournemouth and Aston Villa on either side of the international break.
Hopes for a bounce-back were dashed when they hosted Southampton in the Carabao Cup, only to suffer yet another defeat, this time on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Without a single Premier League win after four matches and now out of the cup, Everton’s upcoming fixture against Leicester has taken on a new level of significance.
Lose this relegation six-pointer, and questions will start to mount over Sean Dyche’s ability to steer the ship. A victory, on the other hand, could offer some much-needed respite.
However, Dyche’s task has been made harder with the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite, arguably the team’s best player.
The defender, who played a key role in Everton’s survival last season, has suffered another setback in his recovery from injury.
Speaking to The Athletic, Dyche said Branthwaite will miss the Leicester game due to a “strange” issue that has prolonged his return.
Branthwaite’s importance to Everton cannot be overstated. His absence this season has coincided with the team failing to pick up a single point.
Last season, he was instrumental in their narrow escape from relegation, and his physical presence and calmness under pressure have made him a standout in Everton’s defence.
Looking ahead, Everton will hope to have Branthwaite back for the remainder of the campaign. But his continued absence has provided a glimpse of what life could look like without him, especially as speculation over his future mounts.
There were whispers of a potential transfer during the summer window, and the rumours are already swirling again, suggesting that the club may struggle to retain his services beyond next summer if bigger teams come knocking.
For Branthwaite, this is shaping up to be a pivotal season. It’s his second full campaign at the highest level of English football, and it could well lead to a first call-up to the England senior squad.
Lee Carsley, the interim England U21 manager, is certainly a fan, having made Branthwaite the captain of the U21 side and praising him in no uncertain terms.
“There were a few players that could’ve worn the armband,” Carsley said to the Liverpool Echo in November last year.
“It was a way of showing Jarrad how well we think he’s doing at present as well. I think it’s part of the game he can add to in terms of leadership.
“He leads by example, he’s not too loud, he’s quite a quiet guy but the way he plays, he’s very imposing. I thought he was excellent tonight and it’s something that he should be proud of to lead the team out.”
For Everton, the hope is that Branthwaite can return to action sooner rather than later, as they desperately need his influence on the pitch. In his absence, however, Dyche will have to find a way to rally his squad for the battle against Leicester, with the stakes higher than ever.