- Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury comeback was halted by a quad complaint
- The £70million-rated defender has made just three league appearances
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Sean Dyche has admitted his doubts about bringing back £70million Jarrad Branthwaite too early after the defender’s first failed comeback against Crystal Palace six weeks ago.
Branthwaite played 90 minutes against Palace on 28 September in his first action of the season after a groin injury, but suffered a quad complaint in the aftermath and has since only been available for Everton’s final two games. He made late cameo appearances as a substitute against Fulham and Zuidampton.
With fans putting pressure on Dyche to select the talented young defender against West Ham on Saturday, the Blues boss has revealed the player’s recent history to explain his dilemma.
‘I thought it was a bit early for Jarrad (against Palace), but the consensus (from the medical and sports science team) was that he was right to play. Two days later he was injured again. “I’m not saying I’m right, but I thought it was a bit too fast,” Dyche said.
‘For some players you can’t explain every detail of every injury, but some are more sensitive than others.
Jarrad Branthwaite – estimated to be worth around £70million – has struggled with his fitness at the start of this season
Sean Dyche talked about the difficulty of judging when an injured player should be returned to playing duties
‘You have to be very careful and if that approach goes too far, in a split second you can get someone for 3-4 weeks.
“Unfortunately we’ve had a few coming back from semi-serious injuries like Jarrad’s.
‘It starts with a simple situation, a minor operation then leads to a second and third phase, getting fit and then getting injured again. That’s the Jarrad story.
‘There is no shortage of thirst to get these players fit. We have to get them fit enough to actually play.”
Everton’s five-match unbeaten run ended at St Mary’s last weekend, leaving Dyche to wrestle with whether the 22-year-old, who is back in full training, should replace Michael Keane or James Tarkowski against the Hammers.
Seamus Coleman (hamstring) is out, while Dwight McNeil (knee) is doubtful, although Abdoulaye Doucoure has returned to training.
Striker Armando Broja, who did not play during his loan spell from Chelsea due to an Achilles injury, should be able to resume full training after the international break.
Broja has been busy with warm-ups with his teammates and Dyche is looking for the next step.
The English defender played his first 90 minutes of the season against Crystal Palace in September
“Everyone will be parting ways next week, but when they come back he will be in full training with the team,” said Dyche, who must decide whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Beto will be his main striker this weekend.
‘We have four attackers (with Youssef Chermiti) who are very good, a mix of experiences, but unfortunately two have been injured. This season we have been very limited.
“Dom’s track record is quite strong now in terms of his fitness. Beto is constantly learning and he increases that when he steps onto the field.
“I think he’s been effective so the margins (between them) are getting smaller. The striker is the most difficult position on the pitch, so I am a little more tolerant of those who have a quieter period.’
Calvert-Lewin is currently six games without a goal and was substituted against Southampton, with his replacement Beto hitting the woodwork and having a goal disallowed for offside.