Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite will miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the Merseyside derby.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite will miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the recent Merseyside derby against Liverpool. The 23-year-old left the field on a stretcher in the 87th minute of the 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park, visibly distressed and later using crutches.
Everton’s manager has raised concerns that the injury could be serious, adding to the club’s defensive troubles. Branthwaite had previously undergone hamstring surgery in October, keeping him out for the first five months of the season. He returned to play in January, but this new injury appears unrelated to his earlier issue.
Medical scans confirmed no need for further surgery, and he will now begin rehabilitation at Everton’s Finch Farm training facility under the club’s medical staff. The injury deals a major blow to Branthwaite’s international ambitions, particularly his hopes of playing in this summer’s World Cup. England’s tournament starts on June 17 against Croatia in the United States.
Though he made his senior England debut two years ago, he was left out of the Euro 2024 squad, making this setback even more frustrating for his future prospects.
For Everton, Branthwaite’s absence adds pressure as they aim for a top-half finish in the Premier League. Currently 10th in the table, they trail sixth-placed Brighton by just three points, leaving little room for error in the remaining fixtures. The club is closely monitoring his recovery while keeping focus on the season’s final stretch.
With Branthwaite sidelined, Everton will need to rely on their defensive options to secure crucial points in their push for European qualification. The club has promised regular updates on his progress, but for now, his season is over, leaving a gap in their backline as they fight for a stronger league finish.