More bad news for Everton’s defensive corps

Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton pre-match press conference today had some bad news, and at the same time helped clear up confusion around the whereabouts of forward Alex Iwobi as well.

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s home game against newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park, the manager said that Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury is not going to require him going under the knife but he will be out for some time.

“He [Branthwaite] had a problem on his ankle, he’s out for a least three-five weeks.

“He doesn’t need surgery but he has to rest for one month. Mason Holgate is out and the other players are all fit and ready to play.

“I have to follow the advice of the doctors, of the medical staff. He’s [Holgate] out for two or three months.

“Honestly he feels good in this moment, he’s walking in the swimming pool without any problem. But I think we have to wait a little bit.”

Ancelotti would not be drawn into any conversation about getting Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori on loan, with the Blues also being linked with moves for Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Núñez, Manchester City’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Torino’s Gleison Bremer.

“Honestly we are looking for a centre-back, if the market offers something I think that we can have one.

“Now we are only with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, but we are looking for another one.

“Tomori plays in Chelsea! So don’t ask me this.”

Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi is reportedly back in training and in contention for selection this weekend after having recovered from an unnamed minor knock.