Opinion: Sean Dyche Could Have Helped Prevent Everton’s Latest Injury Setback
Jarrad Branthwaite's Return to Everton with Injury from England Duty Highlights an Avoidable Issue
A pelvic issue sustained during Everton’s 0-0 draw with West Ham on 9 November led the 22-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite to return to Finch Farm instead of traveling to Greece with the England squad, following days of speculation [Sami Mokbel, 14 November].
Interim England manager Lee Carsley noted that he didn’t want to “gamble” on Branthwaite’s fitness by forcing him to train and play through the pain, though the real gamble may have been in initially selecting him.
Originally set to play for England’s Under-21s, Branthwaite was promoted to the senior squad following several withdrawals, a move Everton manager Sean Dyche may regret, as it put additional strain on his key defender.
Branthwaite’s injury could mean Everton is back to square one.
Given his history of injuries this season, any fitness concerns after Everton’s last game should have warranted pulling him from England duty immediately.
Having been a consistent presence for Everton over the past year, Branthwaite’s senior call-up after just four appearances this season likely worried those at Goodison Park—and these concerns have proven true, with Branthwaite now back at Finch Farm recovering from an injury that may have worsened despite being kept out of the main training group [Henry Winter, 12 November].
Playing for his country and under Carsley, especially after being part of the Under-21 squad that won the European Championships in 2023, is undoubtedly important to Branthwaite, but it backfired in this instance.
With a busy winter schedule ahead, Dyche will now be anxiously monitoring Branthwaite’s fitness and may regret not stepping sooner.
