Sean Dyche said the good form of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane was behind Jarrad Branthwaite’s current absence from the starting line-up
Everton’s most contentious selection debate could be taken out of Sean Dyche’s hands after the international break. The absence of Jarrad Branthwaite from the side despite his return to fitness has been one of the major talking points of recent weeks – in particular amid the fallout of the defeat at Southampton.
The centre back missed the start of the campaign as he recovered from summer groin surgery then faced further time out when he suffered a quad issue following his return against Crystal Palace. He has featured from the bench in the past two games.
Dyche said after the defeat on the south coast that Branthwaite’s continued absence was due to the form of the players ahead of him. Michael Keane has impressed over recent weeks and been influential in both boxes while James Tarkowski was also key in a run of five games unbeaten before last weekend.
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Dyche stressed his belief the pair played well against Southampton – suggesting they may keep their places for the trip to West Ham United.
What happens beyond that game could be decided at the London Stadium rather than Finch Farm, however. Keane has collected four yellow cards in the league so far this season. Should he pick up a booking in London then he will be suspended for the visit of Brentford two weeks later – presenting Branthwaite without an opportunity to return. Tarkowski, meanwhile, is two bookings from a suspension after he picked up his third yellow on Saturday.
