Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has now undergone successful surgery on his hamstring issue, and he has been met by a message from midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Monday’s news of Branthwaite requiring surgery on his latest injury was a huge blow to everyone around the club.
David Moyes has not been able to deploy the 23-year-old at all this season following a turbulent pre-season filled with injury concerns for the defender.
During the summer, Branthwaite did not travel to the United States with Everton for the Summer Series tournament.
Having seen his teammates return to the country, Branthwaite then picked up another injury setback in the final friendly against AS Roma.
Everton’s defensive options will now be tested, with the Englishman expected to miss a considerable chunk of the season as he makes a full recovery.
However, it is clear he has the support of his teammates back at Finch Farm, with Gueye sending him a message following the surgery.
Everton v AS Roma - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Idrissa Gana Gueye’s five-word Everton message to Jarrad Branthwaite
After hearing the news, Everton fans were devastated by Branthwaite’s injury setback as he awaits his first appearance of the season.
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Given the nature of his injury record, there will be no real pressure put on the defender to make a speedy return to the side.
After sharing the news of his successful surgery, Branthwaite’s update was responded to by Gueye, who offered the defender some encouragement.
‘Operation completed successfully. Thanks to the medical team for their work and to everyone who’s reached out with messages of support,” Branthwaite said over social media.
‘It’s been the toughest spell of my career so far, but challenges build character. I’ll be back stronger and better than ever. Don’t doubt it.’
Jarrad Branthwaite receives injury message from Everton's Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Credit: @iganagueye
‘Come back stronger you lad,’ replied the Senegal international.
Fortunately for Everton, Michael Keane has excelled as Branthwaite’s replacement over the opening months of the term.
However, there will be a natural disappointment that the 23-year-old has been unable to take to the pitch following the signing of his new Everton deal.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury record is becoming concerning
Heading into the new season, Branthwaite was just returning from missing the final game of the 2024/25 campaign against Newcastle United.
The 23-year-old managed to feature in 30 Premier League games following groin surgery that kept him out of the opening games of the term.
Season Games missed
2025/26 10*
2024/25 14
So, to rack up 30 appearances on the back of surgery will certainly have been viewed as a big positive.
But Everton fans will likely feel that the last few months have been a real setback for the defender who has suffered from a number of injury blows.
It is a big positive that Keane has impressed for Everton in the absence of Branthwaite, but Everton fans will want to see their prized defender out there.