Everton have suffered a significant injury blow, with key player Jarrad Branthwaite now in a race to be fit for Saturday’s fixture against Newcastle after experiencing a setback during training.

Manager Sean Dyche was without the England defender for the first four league matches of this season, but Branthwaite’s return last weekend coincided – perhaps not coincidentally – with Everton’s first win of the campaign against Crystal Palace.

However, Mail Sport understands that Branthwaite has now sustained a quadriceps injury, which may delay his return to full fitness. The injury is not believed to be serious, and if he is forced to miss the Newcastle match, Branthwaite is expected to return shortly after the international break.

Since the beginning of last season, Everton have averaged 1.4 points per game with Branthwaite in the team, compared to just 0.4 points per game in his absence. The 22-year-old earned his first England call-up following an outstanding season, which also attracted significant interest from other clubs during the summer transfer window.

Manchester United had three bids for the former Carlisle United player rejected, with Everton remaining firm on their valuation and refusing to be pressured into a sale.

Earlier this week, Mail Sport reported that Liverpool, rivals to both Everton and Manchester United, have considered intervening in United’s pursuit of Branthwaite. During the summer, Everton quoted interested clubs a fee of around £75 million for the highly-rated defender.

Branthwaite is under contract at Goodison Park until 2027, with an option for a further year.