Everton manager Sean Dyche is facing a difficult selection dilemma ahead of the club’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle on 5 October.
Despite Everton’s recent victory over Crystal Palace, which lifted them out of the relegation zone, Dyche may have to turn to defender Michael Keane due to an injury setback.
Jarrad Branthwaite, who had just returned from injury and contributed to Everton’s first win of the season, is now at risk of missing the upcoming match with a quad injury, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Without Branthwaite, Everton’s defense is expected to struggle, as the team has earned an average of 1.4 points per game with him, compared to just 0.4 points without him.
Keane, 31, has had a challenging season marked by defensive errors, which could be costly against Newcastle, a side known for capitalizing on defensive lapses. His form has been criticized, notably by talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, who labeled his performance against Aston Villa as “pathetic.”
With Keane likely starting, Everton’s hopes of building on last week’s victory may be significantly hindered.
