Everton fans have been issued with a fresh update on Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury latest.
It has not been the start to the 2025/26 campaign that Branthwaite would have hoped for following two injury setbacks.
Branthwaite missed the pre-season tour through injury, and his summer did not get much better when the club returned to Merseyside.
The 23-year-old centre-back has been rewarded with a new contract ahead of the season kicking off.
However, Everton fans have not seen him in action following the final friendly game of the summer against AS Roma.
On Friday, David Moyes provided an update with the Merseyside Derby just a matter of days away now.
Accrington Stanley v Everton - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
David Moyes shares Jarrad Branthwaite injury update at Everton
Branthwaite has stepped up his injury rehabilitation in recent days, with the defender now returning to training.
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Having already suffered two issues before the season even kicked off, Everton will be keen to not rush their star defender back too early.
During his press conference on Friday, Moyes has admitted Branthwaite’s recovery is progressing, but he is still weeks away.
“Jarrad is getting closer but he’s not quite there yet – but he’s certainly getting closer and hopefully we get him back because he’s a huge player for us,” Moyes said.
“He’s a player we value highly and someone we have lots of hopes for, so we’re looking forward to getting him back.
“I’ve no idea [when he’ll be back], at the moment, but I think we’ll be a few weeks before we’re at that stage.”
Everton fans have become slightly worried about Branthwaite and his regular injury issues.
The defender has sealed his future for years to come, but Everton will be desperate to see him back on the field as quickly as possible.
What Everton game Jarrad Branthwaite could return for
There is another international break on the horizon despite the players only just returning in the last couple of days.
It was initially suggested that Branthwaite would be out until the end of September, and that would seem to be the case following Moyes’ update.
Given there is only one game in October before the international break, there may be a decision needing to be made as to whether Branthwaite could return to face Crystal Palace.
However, his recent injury record may suggest that the trip to the Etihad Stadium could be a more sensible expectation.
The extra couple of weeks during the international break could prove a smart decision.