As Everton prepare to face Fulham in their next Premier League outing, Toffees boss Sean Dyche has been offered a significant boost, with news that one key star is on the cusp of returning to the training pitch after a lengthy injury layoff. The news couldn’t have come at a better time for the Goodison Park outfit, who are on the cusp of a remarkable turnaround in form, with two wins and two draws in their last four matches.
However, Dyche has revealed that Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti will once again miss out on this weekend’s encounter, still several weeks away from recovery. Broja is no stranger to setbacks, but it’s hoped that he can finally make his return from the edge of full fitness, having spent most of the season on the treatment table. Chermiti, meanwhile, is still nursing an unusual injury to his big toe, aptly described as “very odd” by the club’s medical staff. The Toffees would’ve been grateful of his return, but, for now, it appears he’s still some weeks away from action.
On a more positive note, Jarrad Branthwaite is set to make his return to the starting XI after missing the last two matches, providing a timely shot in the arm for a team desperate to build on their recent form. The £35,000-a-week defender has endured a stop-start campaign, but his late-season showing last term suggests he could be the key to Everton’s survival and, dare one say it, their push for a top-half finish. Having been touted as the ‘calm’ character so essential in the Premier League’s unforgiving environment, Branthwaite’s presence in the heart of defense should provide a seamlessly comforting presence for his teammates.
Finally, as the match against Fulham fast approaches, Everton fans will be hoping their beleaguered team can convert their recent goodwill into a fifth consecutive unbeaten league match, having already secured victories over relegation rivals Ipswich Town and pulled a crucial draw against West Bromwich Albion. With Branthwaite back in the fold, maybe, just maybe, the Toffees can finally banish the memories of their woeful start to the season and rediscover the form that had the football world wobbling. Only time will tell, but for now, there’s reason to believe that the tide may be turning in Everton’s favor.
