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Everton boss Sean Dyche opens up on Jarrad Branthwaite's injury recovery amid £70m-rated defender's fitness concerns at the start of the season

Sean Dyche has admitted misgivings about rushing back £70million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite too early after the defender’s first abortive comeback against Crystal Palace six weeks ago.

Branthwaite played 90 minutes against Palace on September 28 in his first action of the season following a groin injury but suffered a quad complaint in the aftermath and has only been available for Everton’s last two matches since, making late cameo appearances as a substitute against Fulham and Southampton.

With fans’ pressure on Dyche to select the talented young defender against West Ham on Saturday, the Blues boss has revealed the player’s recent history to explain his dilemma.