Sean Dyche shares Jarrad Branthwaite injury latest in mixed Everton fitness update

Jarrad Branthwaite looks set to be available again for Everton against Crystal Palace this weekend. The centre-back has not played yet this season due injury, although he has stepped up his recovery in the past week.

Branthwaite took to the field for the Under-23 side last weekend and was pictured in full training ahead of the upcoming fixture. The England defender has been a big miss for the Blues, who have conceded 14 goals in their first four Premier League games so far.

Dyche was asked for the latest on the defender at his press conference on Thursday: "Jarrad is in front of the curve compared to Patto (Nathan Patterson). Seamus (Coleman) is a bit longer so too (Armando) Broja. Youssef (Chermiti) is a bit longer too."

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Dyche was then asked if Branthwaite is in contention to face Palace. He said: “He is definitely in contention, he has done a lot of background work. He is looking stronger and feeling stronger.”

Branthwaite enjoyed an incredible breakthrough season in 2023-24, forcing his way into the national team setup and forging a fine partnership with James Tarkowski. Without him, the team's defensive structure has disintegrated.

In addition to Branthwaite, Everton were without a number of players at Leicester City due to a combination of illness and injury.

A stretched Blues squad still managed to take the lead thanks to Iliman Ndiaye and were the dominant force for the first hour of the contest. However, the Foxes came on strong late on to earn a point.

"[Nathan] Patterson has had a much longer period out after a serious injury. He's doing well but that's a longer recovery period," added Dyche.

"Idrissa Gana Gueye unfortunately lost his father. He was away in Senegal for a period so he's had seven days without training, so he's only just back in. (Vitalli) Mykolenko is well again, so that's good."