“I understand…”: Chris Beesley provides a fitness update on Branthwaite ahead of West Ham vs. Everton.
Jarrad Branthwaite is fully fit and ready for selection ahead of Everton's trip to the London Stadium to take on West Ham on Saturday, according to Chris Beesley.
The 22-year-old defender has been part of Sean Dyche’s squad for the last two matches, coming off the bench in the final five minutes of both games against Fulham and Southampton.
After the 1-0 loss to Southampton on November 2, questions arose regarding the decision to limit his playtime, with fans now urging for the young defender to start in the upcoming match on November 9.
Speaking on the Royal Blue podcast on YouTube on November 4, Beesley remarked, “I understand that he’s fully fit now and eager to regain match sharpness.
He should’ve been back in the lineup against Southampton.”
Jarrad Branthwaite must be included in the starting XI for Everton’s clash against West Ham.
Following the defeat at St Mary’s, Dyche no longer has any justification for keeping Branthwaite on the bench, especially since he had previously cited the backline’s solid form as a reason for not making changes.
The defensive pairing of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane has not been as effective as Dyche hoped, particularly after the end of the Toffees’ six-game unbeaten streak against a relegation-threatened team.
While the Hammers are struggling under new head coach Julen Lopetegui, their squad still possesses the ability to challenge Everton, featuring players like Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, and Michail Antonio in the attacking third.
Reintroducing Branthwaite to the center of defense would be a significant boost ahead of the trip to London Stadium, especially if he is fit and has simply been waiting on the bench.
Securing all three points against West Ham is essential for Dyche’s side, as they currently sit just four points above the relegation zone.
