Newcastle United have been handed a massive injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Everton this weekend.
According to the Liverpool Echo, key Toffees defender Jarrad Branthwaite is facing a fitness battle to be available for Saturday’s crunch contest.
Newcastle head north to take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, determined to return to winning ways after failing to win any of their last two Premier League games.
Eddie Howe’s side were thrashed 3-1 at Fulham before claiming a highly respectable 1-1 draw at home to reigning champions Manchester City.
With just two points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea, Howe will be keen for his side to grab a win against Everton that could lift them into the Champions League places if other results go their way.
The Magpies have failed to win any of their last two meetings with the Toffees, but Branthwaite’s injury tilts the odds in their favour ahead of this weekend’s crunch showdown.
Branthwaite has been battling with a groin issue that kept him out of the opening five games of the season, but he made his return to the team against Crystal Palace.
Despite his hiatus, the 22-year-old’s return to the starting line-up made a huge difference for Everton as they finally claimed their first win of the season, beating Palace 2-1 at Goodison Park.
He recorded five clearances, three interceptions, and two tackles. He also won all four of his ground duels and three out of six aerial duels in a dominant performance for Sean Dyche’s side.
Branthwaite seemed to have emerged from the Palace win unscathed and was even spotted training with the first team in Finch Farm on Wednesday.
However, he has emerged as a major doubt for Saturday’s contest after a quad issue was detected during his assessment.
Branthwaite, who is subject to concrete interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, will be sorely missed by Everton and his absence plays into Newcastle’s hands.
Stats from Sofascore.com
