McNeil, Branthwaite & Broja: Everton injury news and expected return dates ahead of Brentford game

Everton once again find themselves deep in a battle to avoid relegation after a disappointing start to the season which has seen them pick up just 10 points from their opening 11 games.

The Toffees are the lowest scorers in the division with just 10 goals this season while their average possession statistics of just 39.3 percent is also the worst in the division so far.

Everton entered the November international break on the back of a 0-0 draw with West Ham and a disappointing 1-0 loss to relegation rivals Southampton. They will be targeting a huge response and a return to winning ways this weekend when they play host to Brentford at Goodison Park.

Injuries to key stars such as Dwight McNeil and Jarrad Branthwaite have contributed to the club’s difficult start to the season while fans are still waiting to see new signing Armando Broja kick a ball for the first time after his loan move from Chelsea. But can we expect to see any of them return this weekend? Here’s a full round-up of all the injuries and expected return dates for Sean Dyche’s side.

Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton had the fourth best defensive record in the league last season and a key reason for that was the form of Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old recently made just his second start of the season in a 0-0 draw with West Ham United after recovering from a quad injury but was withdrawn from the England squad for the November internationals with a new groin problem.

Branthwaite’s withdrawal from England duty is thought to only be a precautionary measure but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready to make his fifth appearance of the season against Brentford.

Armando Broja

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is yet to play for Everton this season after sustaining an achilles injury. The Albanian international is believed to be closing in on a return to training in the near future but is unlikely to be risked against Brentford.

“He's been working really well. He's not had any contact; he's just a floater in certain parts of training. Hopefully, from next week, we'll start building. He's getting there, but he's going to need a games programme. The following week, he'll be in full training and take it from there.” Dyche said earlier this month.

Seamus Coleman

The experienced defender has not featured since a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in August after sustaining a hamstring injury.

An exact timeline on his return has not been set, but Dyche did suggest it shouldn’t be too serious.

“Unfortunately, he's got an injury, so we're not sure how serious that is at this stage. It's a minor hamstring, so we've just got to check that it's nothing too serious.”

Dwight McNeil

Missed the 0-0 draw with West Ham United with a knee injury but is pushing for a return ahead of the Brentford game.

Has arguably been the team’s standout performer with three goals and three assists.

Youssef Chermiti

Has not yet played this season after sustaining a foot injury.

“Chermiti is making progress but, obviously, it's a very strange injury with the tendon coming off the big toe - a very odd injury. He's beginning to make progress, but he's still a number of weeks away, that's for sure.” Dyche said last month.

James Garner

James Garner is currently out with a lower back injury and has not featured since the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.

“Jimmy has got a longer-term injury. We're going to have to wait and see, but it's going to be weeks. It's a bad injury that we've got to be careful with. It's going to be beyond a month; I'm pretty sure of that.' Dyche said back in October.

Timothy Iroegbunam

The former Aston Villa midfielder is working his way back to fitness after sustaining an ankle injury. He is not expected to return to the pitch until late December.