Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite set for layoff after injuring thigh in training

Everton could be without influential defender Jarrad Branthwaite until after the international break due to an injury in training. Branthwaite made his first appearance of the season for Sean Dyche’s side last weekend having had groin surgery in the summer.

His return contributed to a much-improved defensive display as Everton recorded their first Premier League win of the campaign against Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old, however, is believed to have suffered a thigh injury this week and is a serious doubt for Saturday’s home game with Newcastle.

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Dyche did not mention Branthwaite as a potential absentee at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, with the defender still being assessed. But the Everton manager would be unlikely to risk the centre-half after an extended spell on the sidelines and Branthwaite could be out until the trip to Ipswich on 19 October.

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