Everton dealt fresh defensive concern after Jarrad Branthwaite ban

Michael Keane is a doubt for Everton’s trip to Burnley.

The centre-back has not started a Premier League game since the 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa in August, after which Jarrad Branthwaite was given an opportunity he took full advantage of.

Branthwaite’s run of 14 consecutive league starts will end at the weekend, however, as the 21-year-old serves a one match suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the win over Chelsea.

I was in an Everton pub after Chelsea win and chants hours after full time speak volumes

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His absence could provide a chance for Keane, his most obvious replacement, to return. The 30-year-old is dealing with a knock, however.

Keane’s most recent appearance was as a half-time substitute in the defeat against Liverpool at Anfield. He has been included in most of this season’s matchday squads but was absent on Sunday due to an ankle issue. He was still present at Goodison Park and watched the 2-0 win from the directors box.

Keane’s setback could see him miss out on the meeting with his former club Burnley and instead hand an opportunity to Ben Godfrey.

Replacing Branthwaite is not the only issue for Sean Dyche to contend with heading into the trip to Turf Moor. Idrissa Gueye, withdrawn at half-time against Chelsea due to fatigue, also picked up a fifth yellow card in the game. Ashley Young limped off minutes before the break and he, like Seamus Coleman, will be assessed this week.

Dyche and Young said on Sunday they hoped the former England international’s injury was minor. Coleman, who made his first start in seven months against Newcastle United last week, was described as being in a fitness