Sean Dyche says Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Dwight McNeil will be available against Brentford

Everton manager Sean Dyche expects key duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Dwight McNeil to be available for Saturday’s match against Brentford.

The pair have both struggled with injuries in recent weeks, with Branthwaite withdrawn from the England squad due to a ‘minor’ groin problem and McNeil missing Everton’s 0-0 draw with West Ham before half-time with a knee problem.

However, both have trained this week and have a chance to face Thomas Frank.

“Dwight has had a really good week of training,” Dyche said. “Jarrad trained today (Thursday) after sorting things out, so we’ll see how he reacts.

“We have high hopes for it, but he will be fine.”

Long-term absentees Armando Broja (Achilles), Youssef Chermiti (foot), Seamus Coleman (hamstring), James Garner (back) and Tim Iroegbunam (foot) remain on the sidelines. However, all four have received positive news as they attempted to make a comeback.

“He (Broja) has had a full week of training, but obviously he needs a game program,” Dyche said. “We are looking at the dates now because we want to make sure he gets through his first full week. He said he is feeling good and feeling fit, so we will introduce a game program once things line up.

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“Youssef is also making good progress. He is a little behind (Broja), but had his first full day with us today, which was nice.

“Seamus is standing on the grass with the medical side and is just taking the first steps back. Jimmy has had good news from the specialist, but has been away for a while and will have to be careful in the first period.

“Tim’s stress response in his foot is dissipating, so he can start semi-loading again and make sure he’s making progress again.”

Dyche also responded to calls for Iliman Ndiaye to play in a central role, saying there is “no evidence” the Senegal international should play in the number 10 position.

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The £15million summer signing has impressed since joining from Marseille, but has played the majority of his minutes on the left wing so far.

“He does well on the left,” Dyche said. “People keep telling me I should play it there. People keep telling me about my role as a manager.

“I think he can adapt to Everton. From there, the modern number 10 has to defend. Dwight does very well on the attacking side, but finds the defensive side more of a challenge.

“It’s not as easy as you think to find the right passing lanes to stop the opposition and then attack with turnovers for 95 minutes. That can be developed over time, but he does well coming from the left: he can squirm and drive into the box. He’s still adapting.”

Everton are sixteenth in the Premier League, three points away from the relegation zone.

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