Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite (Credit: Imago)

Sun 20 October 2024 7:10, UK

Sean Dyche has admitted it was a "tough call" to leave Jarrad Branthwaite out of the Everton starting XI against Ipswich Town.

The Toffees got back to winning ways after the international break with a 2-0 victory at Portman Road on Saturday (19 October) thanks to goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Michael Keane.

There was no sign of Brathwaite in the Blues matchday squad and while Dyche had revealed his injury pre-match, the Toffees boss has suggested the defender may be given time to build up his fitness.

As quoted by Liverpool World on Sunday (20 October) he said: "Jarrad was a tough call, to be fair, but the last game we put him in [against Crystal Palace], I wasn't sure about it, I thought it was maybe too early.

"He did great, and then he got injured again so I thought we needed to give him a period when he's properly fit."

What has happened to Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite at Goodison Park? Everton are definitely a better side when Branthwaite is fit and available, but Dyche will be reluctant to throw his best centre-back back into the side if it means risking him picking up a brand-new injury.

As the Blues boss suggested, the 22-year-old looked excellent against Crystal Palace before the international break. Since that game, however, he has remained sidelined with no return date yet mooted.

Fortunately, Michael Keane has seemingly begun to find his form in the England international's absence. While the former Burnley man is far from perfect, his finish against the Tractor Boys on Saturday was excellent and something you'd expect from a striker.

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Everton defender Michael Keane [Credit: Imago] Hopefully, it won't be too long until Branthwaite is back in amongst the fold again. It does make sense that Dyche doesn't want to rush him back too quickly and that is a lot easier to do when you're winning games.

But it wouldn't be a surprise to see the England international back in the fold if pressure begins to mount on Dyche again at Goodison Park.

In other Everton news, one Ipswich Town player has been slammed for a "shambolic" moment in the clash with the Toffees