Dyche offers Everton big boost with Branthwaite set to return

Everton manager Sean Dyche has provided a fitness update Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of their upcoming match against Fulham.

Branthwaite, who had a breakthrough season last year and earned his first England cap in June, attracted interest from Manchester United over the summer but ended up staying on Merseyside.

Despite two offers from United, Everton turned them down, and the highly-rated 22-year-old has made only one appearance this season due to injury.

After recovering initially, Branthwaite played a pivotal role in Everton’s 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace in September.

However, he was unavailable for the subsequent matches against Newcastle and Ipswich but looks set to finally return.

Ahead of the Fulham game, Dyche said: “He’s trained all week.

Positive news on Branthwaite, Lindstrøm and Patterson. 🙌

Plus further updates on those unavailable this weekend. #EVEFUL pic.twitter.com/E5gw44CHAN

— Everton (@Everton) October 24, 2024

“I made a call on it last week, I decided not to go with him being fit, even for the squad, because I thought it was important for him to have a week’s training, a clear week’s training, which he has done, so he’ll certainly be part of the squad.

“We have four very good centre-backs, all fighting for the shirt. That will look after itself.”

Dyche also mentioned that he has yet to speak with the club’s potential new owners.

Farhad Moshiri – the majority shareholder – has agreed to a takeover deal with the Friedkin Group, although none of their people have been over to see the 53-year-old.

Asked if he’d spoken to the prospective owners yet, Dyche added: “Nope. I keep getting asked but that hasn’t changed since last week, the week before that, the week before that, and the week before that.”