“Strange” injury affecting Everton star; he will not play against Leicester

As if Everton’s start to this season couldn’t be more frustrating, the Toffees will now be without one of their star players against Leicester after a “freak” injury caused the existing problem.

   Everton injury news
   After squandering 2-0 leads either side of the international break and losing 3-2 to Bournemouth and Aston Villa, Everton faced Southampton in the Carabao Cup in search of a reprieve that never came.    Instead, they witnessed another defeat at Goodison Park, with Sean Dyche’s side knocked out of the cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw with their relegation rivals.

   Without a win in the Premier League after four games and now without a trophy, Everton’s next game against Leicester suddenly feels more and more important.    Dropping six points to stay up will likely start to raise questions about Dyche’s ability to turn things around, while a win would finally stop the Toffees’ rot.

   In such a crucial game, Dyche could do with his strongest available squad but will be forced to play with arguably his best player after another failure to come back.    As quoted by Patrick Boyland of The Athletic , Dyche has revealed that Jarrad Branthwaite will miss the Leicester game with a “freak” setback which is holding back his recovery longer than expected.

   Of course, if Branthwaite’s importance wasn’t highlighted enough when Everton survived another relegation last season, he was there for everyone to see Everton without a single point in his absence so far in the current campaign.

   Everton’s insight into life without the “imposition” of Branthwaite

   For the remainder of the campaign after the Leicester game, Everton will hope that at least Branthwaite is back ready to make a difference, but his absence has been a stark reminder of what their reality could be if he were to leave next summer.    After being linked with a move in the summer, rumors have already started surrounding his future in 2025 and Everton may not be so lucky to retain his services the next time the big clubs come calling.

   It’s a big year for Branthwaite in his second proper season at the top level of English football and one that should bring a first win for England.    Caretaker boss Lee Carsley is certainly a fan of the centre-back, having given him the captaincy of the Under-21 side and praising him in the past.

   He said via Liverpool Ehco last November: “There were a few players who could have worn the armband. It was a way of showing Jarrad how well we think he’s doing at the moment. I think it’s a part of the game he can add  in terms of leadership.

   “He leads by example, he’s not too loud, he’s quite a quiet guy, but the way he plays is very impressive. I thought he was excellent tonight and that’s something he should be proud of to lead the team.”