View: Latest injury update on Everton star suggests that he may be back for World Cup

Jarrad Branthwaite initially looked set for World Cup heartache after going off in Everton‘s 2-1 loss to Liverpool.

The Blues star was stretchered off in the Hill Dickinson Stadium clash, and was later seen leaving in a brace with crutches.

Reports had suggested that he would be out for the rest of the season, and miss the start of the World Cup, but that appears not to be the case.

The latest update from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook on 21 April claims that he is expected to be out for four weeks.

That would see the Everton man return in time for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

What are Branthwaite’s World Cup chances after Everton injury latest?

Everton star Branthwaite would have been considered a lock for Thomas Tuchel’s squad before the start of the season.

However, he now faces a difficult battle to even get in it, as the report states that the Three Lions boss may see his inclusion as too much of a risk.

Despite the fact that he could be back in action for the competition, he is not guaranteed to be a part of the travelling party.

Why Branthwaite will probably miss out on the World Cup anyway

Branthwaite probably won’t make it, if we are being brutally honest.

He has only played 10 times this season for a total of 681 minutes, which Tuchel may decide is not enough of a sample.

The former Carlisle United prospect has recorded an 84 per cent pass accuracy, and is even more comfortable in his own half, where he completes 89 per cent of his passes, per Sofascore.

Defensively, he has averaged 1.3 tackles per game, 2.9 ball recoveries per game and 4.1 clearances per game, which are solid numbers.

In terms of duels, he has won 54 per cent on the ground and 79 per cent in the air, showing his dominance in the latter aspect of the game.

That could definitely help his country, if he is selected, but it may be a long shot, as his availability is under question.

Evertonians would have loved to see him shining on the international stage, but if he can stay with the Blues and train and rest, it may be the best outcome.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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