Everton say the injury that has forced Jarrad Branthwaite to withdraw from the England Under-21 squad was picked up when he was previously away with the Young Lions during their victorious European Championship campaign but the player is not believed to be a major doubt for the Blues’ next fixture at home to Arsenal on September 17.
A club statement read: “Jarrad Branthwaite has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad for their upcoming EURO qualifier to undergo planned treatment with Everton for a minor groin issue sustained in the summer while on international duty. The 21-year-old Blues defender was called up by the young Lions for a match away to Luxembourg on Monday 11 September but it was agreed he would remain at Finch Farm for treatment with the club’s medical staff.
“Branthwaite, who has started the past two Premier League matches for Sean Dyche’s side, is expected to be fit after the current international break.”
The centre-back became Carlo Ancleotti’s first Everton signing when he joined from his home city club Carlisle United in January 2020 after just nine appearances in League Two. The 6ft 5in prospect has subsequently had loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, turning out 36 times for the Dutch outfit last term and scoring four goals.
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Speaking to the ECHO after helping Everton secure their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw at Sheffield United, Branthwaite lifted the lid on manager Sean Dyche’s pre-season instructions to him by stating: “I think he said to me, just come in, like
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