According to the Daily Mail, Everton could push Jarrad Branthwaite into their first-team squad for Sunday’s game against Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
It’s claimed that Carlo Ancelotti has been hugely impressed with Branthwaite in a training game. An intra-squad friendly was held on Saturday, and the defender seemingly stood out.
Defensive injuries and Branthwaite’s impressive display means that he could now be on the bench against Liverpool on Sunday, putting him one step away from a baptism of fire.
Yerry Mina is out for four months, meaning Branthwaite could now step up to challenge Michael Keane and Mason Holgate between now and the end of the season.
Ancelotti invited Branthwaite to first-team training even before the country went into lockdown, and it seems that the Italian has been impressed with him once again.
The 17-year-old joined Everton from League Two side Carlisle United in January. The Toffees paid £750,000 to lure him to Goodison Park, but he now hasn’t played a first-team game since Boxing Day.
Going from fourth tier to playing against Liverpool in the Premier League within a matter of months would be a huge rise for Branthwaite, but having impressed Ancelotti, it seems that he’s earning it.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
