Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite sidelined with hamstring injury
Scans have confirmed that Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite will be sidelined for approximately two months due to a hamstring injury, bringing his campaign to a premature end, reports BritPanorama.
The 23-year-old sustained the problem during the closing minutes of Sunday’s Merseyside derby, a 2-1 loss to Liverpool. He was carried from the pitch on a stretcher after going down in the latter stages while the score remained level at 1-1, before Liverpool ultimately secured victory.
His absence also rules him out of contention for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup, ending what had been growing speculation about his international prospects. This setback marks the second significant hamstring issue Branthwaite has faced this season, having missed the opening half of the campaign after undergoing surgery in October, which kept him out for five months.
Crucially, while the fresh injury impacts the same leg, medical staff believe it has occurred in a different muscle area. This distinction raises hopes that his recovery period will be shorter than the lengthy spell he endured earlier in the season. David Moyes expressed concern about his defender following the derby, stating, “Jarrad was probably the best player on the pitch. I thought he played so well.”
Moyes added, “I’m worried it could be serious, but we’ll have to wait and see. We’ve not had any results.” The loss of Branthwaite represents a significant blow for the Toffees boss, particularly given the outstanding form the centre-back demonstrated in recent weeks.
Everton currently occupy 10th position in the Premier League standings but remain within striking distance of the European places, with just a single point separating them from Chelsea in sixth. With five fixtures still to play this season, Michael Keane is expected to step in at centre-back during Branthwaite’s absence, tasked with helping the club maintain its push towards the upper reaches of the table.
There is optimism that Branthwaite will be fit and available when the squad reconvenes for summer training ahead of the new season. Everton are next in action against West Ham on Saturday at 3pm. In the world of football, even the brightest talents can find themselves beset by injury — a potent reminder of the unforgiving nature of the game.
