Everton set for double player boost as duo return from international duty

Everton are set for a double squad boost ahead of their pre-season friendly against Stoke, with both Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner set for their first appearances, according to the Liverpool Echo.

As shared by the Liverpool-based publication on 27 July, the two Everton players returned to first-team training this week, following an extended period of absence after they helped the England Under-21s to achieve European glory this summer.

As well as these two returning players, Arnaut Danjuma could be set to make his Everton debut against the Potters, after a full week of training since he signed on Sunday 23 July, as Sean Dyche looks to mix up his squad.

A welcome boost

While there are still a couple of weeks before the Premier League season gets underway on 12 August, Dyche will be keen to have his full squad together in training as they prepare to avoid another relegation battle over the next ten months.

Players returning from international duty will be integrated straight into the side, as they look to get back to full fitness, or even further with Dyche notoriously relentless in pre-season, after their time off.

Both Branthwaite and Garner will be targeting key roles in the Everton first team this season, with Branthwaite returning to Goodison Park off the back of some very impressive displays in the Eredivisie where he played for PSV on loan, helping them to win the Dutch Cup.

Everton fans will be keen to see Danjuma make his long-anticipated debut, as he finally joined the club last week despite the late u-turn he made in January.