Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Röhl remain sidelined for Everton as of early October 2025, with no immediate return in sight. Branthwaite has yet to make an appearance this season due to a persistent hamstring injury, which has kept him away from both matchday squads and team training. Similarly, Merlin Röhl, a summer signing, is still on the mend and has not been cleared to participate in competitive fixtures. Manager David Moyes has confirmed that both players are making progress in their recoveries but emphasized that they are not yet ready to contribute on the pitch. This means Everton will continue to navigate their fixtures without two potentially key squad members, impacting defensive and midfield options.
In addition to Branthwaite and Röhl, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall is also unavailable for selection, further limiting Moyes’ choices. The manager has been transparent about the injury situation, providing updates ahead of matches such as the recent clash against Crystal Palace. Despite these setbacks, Moyes remains focused on managing his squad effectively, balancing the need for fresh legs with tactical considerations.
Regarding Everton’s substitution policy under David Moyes in October 2025, the manager has shown a pragmatic approach. Moyes tends to prioritize stability and tactical discipline, often making substitutions with clear strategic intent rather than simply reacting to game situations. This approach reflects his experience and desire to maintain team shape and balance throughout matches. Moyes has also been mindful of player fitness and the ongoing injury concerns within the squad, which influences his decisions on when and whom to substitute.
Moyes’ substitution strategy often involves bringing on players who can either shore up the defense or add creativity and energy in midfield, depending on the match context. He is cautious about making too many changes too early, preferring to assess the flow of the game before altering his lineup. This measured approach aims to maximize the impact of substitutes while maintaining cohesion among the starting eleven.
In summary, Everton’s injury woes with Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Röhl continue to challenge David Moyes as he navigates the early stages of the 2025-26 season. Both players are progressing but remain unavailable, forcing Moyes to adapt his squad and substitution tactics accordingly. His substitution policy reflects a balance between tactical necessity and managing player fitness, with a focus on maintaining team structure and effectiveness during matches. As the season progresses, the return of Branthwaite and Röhl will be eagerly anticipated, potentially providing Moyes with more options to strengthen his side.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Röhl Injury Updates
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Jarrad Branthwaite’s Injury Status
- Branthwaite has not played a single minute for Everton this season due to a hamstring injury sustained just before the campaign began.
- He has yet to participate in any grass training sessions, which is a crucial step in his rehabilitation process.
- Despite the setback, Branthwaite signed a new long-term contract with Everton over the summer, signaling the club’s faith in his potential and future contribution.
- His absence has allowed Michael Keane to establish himself as a key defensive figure early in the season.
- Manager David Moyes has confirmed that Branthwaite is making progress but is not yet fit to return to match action.
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Merlin Röhl’s Injury Status
- Röhl, a loan signing from Freiburg made on deadline day, debuted as a substitute against Aston Villa but has since been sidelined due to a hip/groin issue.
- Like Branthwaite, Röhl has not yet returned to full training on grass, delaying his integration into the squad.
- His injury has limited his impact and prevented him from building momentum in the Everton midfield.
- Röhl’s arrival indirectly facilitated the loan move of young talent Harrison Armstrong to Preston, highlighting the club’s strategy to balance squad depth and player development.
- Moyes remains optimistic about Röhl’s recovery but confirmed he will miss the upcoming Crystal Palace fixture.
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Additional Absences
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will also miss the Crystal Palace game due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards in the first six Premier League matches.
- Moyes expressed frustration over some of Dewsbury-Hall’s bookings, noting that two were acknowledged as incorrect by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).
- The suspension is a blow to Everton’s midfield options, especially as Dewsbury-Hall has been enjoying regular playing time and contributing positively.
David Moyes on Everton’s Substitution Policy
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General Approach to Substitutions
- Moyes has made fewer substitutions than any other Premier League manager so far this season, a fact that has drawn attention.
- He cites Pep Guardiola’s style as an influence, noting that Guardiola often makes late substitutions rather than early changes. Moyes admires this approach, emphasizing patience and timing.
- Moyes acknowledges the modern trend of using substitutions to inject fresh legs and energy but believes there are alternative ways to manage games without frequent changes.
- His philosophy centers on making substitutions only when necessary, avoiding changes “for changing’s sake.” This reflects a desire to maintain team cohesion and rhythm.
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Squad Depth and Tactical Flexibility
- Everton’s squad is deeper and stronger than in previous seasons, giving Moyes more options on the bench.
- Despite this, Moyes prefers to keep a stable lineup unless tactical adjustments or injuries demand changes.
- The manager’s cautious use of substitutes is partly influenced by the current injury situation, as he manages player fitness carefully.
- Moyes aims to balance the need for fresh players with the importance of maintaining a consistent team shape and tactical discipline.
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Impact on Match Outcomes
- Moyes has expressed some frustration that Everton have not secured more points from recent matches, suggesting that while the team is competitive, there is room for improvement in game management.
- His substitution strategy is part of this broader tactical approach, focusing on long-term consistency rather than reactive changes.
- The manager’s decisions reflect a pragmatic mindset, prioritizing the overall team performance and stability over frequent personnel rotations.
Broader Context and Implications for Everton
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Injury Challenges and Squad Management
- The ongoing absences of Branthwaite and Röhl highlight the challenges Everton face in maintaining a fully fit squad.
- These injuries limit Moyes’ options, particularly in defense and midfield, areas critical to Everton’s tactical setup.
- The club’s ability to manage these setbacks while remaining competitive speaks to the depth and resilience of the squad.
- The return of these players is eagerly awaited, as their presence could provide a significant boost to Everton’s performances.
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PGMOL and Refereeing Decisions
- The controversy surrounding Dewsbury-Hall’s bookings and the PGMOL’s admission of errors adds another layer of complexity to Everton’s campaign.
- Moyes’ public comments on the issue underline the frustration felt by the club regarding officiating standards and their impact on player availability.
- Such incidents can affect team morale and tactical planning, especially when key players are suspended due to questionable decisions.
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Future Prospects and Player Development
- The loan of Harrison Armstrong to Preston, facilitated by Röhl’s arrival, reflects Everton’s strategy to develop young talent through regular playing time elsewhere.
- This approach aims to balance immediate squad needs with long-term player growth, ensuring a pipeline of talent for future seasons.
- The management of injuries and squad rotation will continue to be crucial as Everton navigate a demanding Premier League schedule.
Summary
- Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Röhl remain sidelined due to hamstring and hip/groin injuries, respectively, with no immediate return expected.
- David Moyes has confirmed their ongoing progress but emphasized that neither player is fit for the upcoming Crystal Palace match.
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s suspension due to accumulated yellow cards further restricts Moyes’ squad options, compounded by controversial refereeing decisions.
- Moyes’ substitution policy is characterized by a cautious, strategic approach, influenced by his admiration for Pep Guardiola’s late-game changes and a desire to maintain team stability.
- Everton’s deeper squad allows for flexibility, but Moyes prefers to make changes only when necessary, balancing tactical needs with player fitness.
- The club’s injury challenges and refereeing frustrations present obstacles, but Moyes remains focused on managing the squad effectively to maximize performance.
- The eventual return of Branthwaite and Röhl is anticipated to strengthen Everton’s defensive and midfield options, potentially enhancing their competitiveness as the season progresses.
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