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David Moyes responds to Jarrad Branthwaite fitness concern in Everton team news vs Arsenal
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- David Moyes responds to Jarrad Branthwaite fitness concern in Everton team news vs Arsenal
David Moyes was reluctant to share an update on Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of Everton's match against Arsenal on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta's team will welcome the Toffees to the Emirates Stadium on 24 October.
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The Scottish manager has a small squad, but has had to deal with a few injuries since the start of the season.
Moyes is keeping his cards close to his chest about Everton's injury concerns.
The Merseysiders have had a relatively decent start to the league campaign and were unbeaten until they lost to Chelsea.
The Gunners pose a significant threat to the Scottish manager's side,
Will Jarrad Branthwaite start in Arsenal vs Everton?
Branthwaite has been a key player for Everton this season, starting in every Premier League game so far.
The England international has had his fair share of injury issues in recent years, but finally seems to have gotten over them.
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However, doubts have certainly arisen over the 24-year-old defender's fitness after Moyes refused to answer a question about his availability.
The Scottish manager's cryptic response will certainly raise eyebrows as he seemed to admit there were a few concerns among the squad.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference on 23 October, when asked about any injury updates, Moyes said, "We've got a share of bits and pieces and we'll keep them quiet."
When the Scottish manager was specifically asked about Branthwaite, he added, "I wouldn't be answering any questions at the moment, that's for sure."
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Moyes has his favourites at Everton, and that has been clear in the starting lineups.
Despite Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling performing well in recent weeks, the Scottish manager has been reluctant to give them regular opportunities.
Against Chelsea, the 63-year-old head coach chose to play Merlin Rohl at right-wing, likely because the German ace offers better defensive attributes than the other options.
Many would expect Moyes to be pragmatic, but he could surprise by going head-on against Arsenal.
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The Gunners haven't been the most convincing this season and have shown defensive frailties.
Instead of sitting back and focusing on stopping the North London club, the Blues may be better off pressing higher and forcing turnovers up the pitch.
Thierno Barry isn't the best at taking his chances, but he can regularly get into quality positions, which Arteta's team will certainly be wary of.
