Sekou Koita claim emerges after failed Everton transfer agreement
Sekou Koita not joining Everton may actually be a blessing in disguise for the club, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that his adductor setback last season has the potential to develop into something major and cause issues.
The Mali striker sealed a move to CSKA Moscow this summer after his RB Salzburg contract expired, even though an agreement had been reached for him to join the Toffees. [AfricaFoot, 3 July]
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Scientist, said about Koita:
“Adductor pain can be really tricky in footballers due to the load constantly placed on them.
“It can lead to extended rehabs even for what are initially considered more minor injuries.
“If there is something going on outside of normal injuries with the adductors, then possible to cause issues.
“The fact that he did not join Everton and move elsewhere may actually be a blessing in disguise for them given the potential risks involved.“
Everton miss out on Sekou Koita transfer
The 24-year-old scored 42 goals in 90 top-flight appearances in Austria and played in the Champions League.
His goal-scoring prowess and experience in European competitions make him an attractive prospect.
The Toffees, having struggled with goal-scoring last season, thought that they could have benefitted from Koita’s attacking abilities but will now have to look for alternative options.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have submitted an offer to sign £25.3m-rated striker ‘destined to leave’ his club.
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Everton early team news v Brighton – Exit-linked Branthwaite could be ruled out
Sean Dyche will wait and see if Jarrad Branthwaite will feature for Everton in their Premier League opener against Brighton.
The England international hasn’t featured in any of the Toffees’ preseason friendlies after undergoing an operation for a minor groin injury.
The 22-year-old has also been linked heavily with a move to Manchester United [Daily Mirror, 23 July, page 51] throughout the transfer window.
Speaking after Everton’s 3-0 win over Preston (3 August) Dyche suggested, transcribed by Liverpool World, he hoped the defender would be ready to face Brighton.
He said: “We will see. He is making good progress all of a sudden, he had a slow spell but is beginning to move forward.
“Hopefully he will certainly be in and around it. I am not saying he will definitely be fit but he will certainly be in and around it, we hope.”
Jarrad Branthwaite could feature for Everton v Brighton
The Englishman had a superb campaign in the Premier League last time out, forming a great partnership with James Tarkowski at the back.
These performances were always going to generate interest with Man United seemingly refusing to drop their interest despite signing Leny Yoro.
As the season moves closer to starting in less than two weeks, the hope of keeping Branthwaite will be greater.
Although this is positive, losing him for the whole of preseason is a worry given how long it can take to get up to match fitness.
Dyche won’t rush the former PSV loanee back too quickly, especially now that Jake O’Brien has come through the doors at Goodison.
