Carlo Ancelotti: Back In Contention For Everton After Recovering From Knock

Everton manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has confirmed that Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi has fully recovered from a knock and he is in contention for the regular shirt against West Brom on Saturday.

Everton centre-back pair Jarrad Branthwaite and Mason Holgate will miss Saturday’s clash with West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park, but Iwobi is back after recovering from the injury which kept him out of the Blues’ victories over Spurs and Salford City.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti confirmed Branthwaite and Holgate were both unavailable for the game along with long-term absentees Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Achilles) and Cenk Tosun (ACL).

Defender Branthwaite sustained an ankle injury during Everton’s 3-0 win over Salford on Wednesday night and the 18-year-old is expected to be unavailable “for three to five weeks”.

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Holgate, meanwhile, continues to be sidelined with a toe injury and Everton boss Ancelotti said the Club could enter the transfer market to boost their centre-back options.

The Blues have already signed four players this summer – Niels Nkounkou, Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

“Jarrad has a problem with his ankle,” said Ancelotti. “He doesn’t need surgery but will need to rest for around one month.

“With Mason, we have to follow the advice of the doctors and medical staff. He is out for two or three months.

“But, honestly, he feels good at the moment. He is walking in the swimming pool without any problem

“The other players are fit and ready to play.”

He added: “We are looking for a centre-back, if the [transfer] market offers something.”

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