King expects Everton star to miss int'l clash tomorrow as fresh injury concern emerges

Bryan King doesn’t expect Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to feature for England against Greece in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.

The ex-Goodison scout believes the 22-year-old would have needed to train with the group to be in contention for the clash at the Athens Olympic Stadium on Thursday (14 November).

However, according to Ben Ransom, this was not the case. While speaking live from St George’s Park for Sky Sports News on Wednesday (13 November), Ransom said, “The big update follows on from yesterday – Jarrad Branthwaite is still not fit enough to take part in group training.

“He’s instead training individually. A decision will be made tomorrow whether he is fit enough [to be in the squad against Greece] after picking up a slight injury for Everton against West Ham.”

However, King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – isn’t surprised by this development.

“I don’t think this is a big concern,” King said.

“I’d imagine they got some information from Everton, and this is part of his rehabilitation process. It’s good for Branthwaite to get picked for the England squad, it is a great boost for him and for Everton.

“However, if he were to have any chance of featuring against Greece on Thursday, he would have needed to be out on the grass training with the group on Wednesday.”

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to miss out for England v Greece?

While Ransom has suggested a decision is yet to be made regarding Branthwaite’s involvement against Greece, King doesn’t sound too optimistic about the centre-back’s chances.

This will come as a big blow for Sean Dyche and the Toffees.

Branthwaite is arguably Everton’s most important player, with the club winning both matches the defender has started this season. However, his season has been impacted by injury.

Therefore, Dyche would have been hoping for Branthwaite to get some minutes over the international break and build up some match fitness.

However, instead, it looks as though he will be sitting out on Thursday, with Everton once again left to sweat over his fitness.

In other Everton news, Kevin Thelwell is under fire as another player looks set to exit Goodison Park.

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