Sean Dyche will wait and see if Jarrad Branthwaite will feature for Everton in their Premier League opener against Brighton.
The England international hasn’t featured in any of the Toffees’ preseason friendlies after undergoing an operation for a minor groin injury.
The 22-year-old has also been linked heavily with a move to Manchester United [Daily Mirror, 23 July, page 51] throughout the transfer window.
Speaking after Everton’s 3-0 win over Preston (3 August) Dyche suggested, transcribed by Liverpool World, he hoped the defender would be ready to face Brighton.
He said: “We will see. He is making good progress all of a sudden, he had a slow spell but is beginning to move forward.
“Hopefully he will certainly be in and around it. I am not saying he will definitely be fit but he will certainly be in and around it, we hope.”
Jarrad Branthwaite could feature for Everton v Brighton
The Englishman had a superb campaign in the Premier League last time out, forming a great partnership with James Tarkowski at the back.
These performances were always going to generate interest with Man United seemingly refusing to drop their interest despite signing Leny Yoro.
As the season moves closer to starting in less than two weeks, the hope of keeping Branthwaite will be greater.
Although this is positive, losing him for the whole of preseason is a worry given how long it can take to get up to match fitness.
Dyche won’t rush the former PSV loanee back too quickly, especially now that Jake O’Brien has come through the doors at Goodison.
The Toffees have positive options in their squad after a positive transfer window but will want all their best players available for the season opener.
Branthwaite looks set to have another impressive season but will have to recover from this injury setback first.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche provides an injury update on Youssef Chermiti after his absence against Preston.
