Moyes hopes Branthwaite fit for Friday's Coventry clash

David Moyes hopes Jarrad Branthwaite will be available for Everton's Friday night fixture against Coventry City at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The defender was withdrawn after 82 minutes of Monday's 1-0 win at St James' Park with cramp.

Speaking at Thursday's pre-match press conference at Finch Farm, Moyes said he is hopeful Branthwaite will be ready. "Yeah, we're just nursing [Branthwaite] along a wee bit, just checking to see he's okay, so we need to see how he is, yes."

Everton head into the game on the back of two consecutive wins over Newcastle United, in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League. They have 13 points from nine league games and sit seventh in the table.

Jack Grealish will miss the match. "Jack is not available," Moyes said. "I wouldn't give you the plan, but we will be working with Jack again soon."

Moyes was also asked about a possible first England call-up for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with Thomas Tuchel due to name his squad for the international break on Friday. "Kiernan's form is getting back to his levels of last year," Moyes said.

Frank Lampard will be in the opposing dugout for the first time since leaving his role as Everton manager in January 2023. Coventry will be without Aurele Amenda and Haji Wright, while Josh Eccles and Luke Woolfenden are also expected to miss the game. Bobby Thomas and Frank Onyeka face late fitness checks.