David Moyes used the word 'disappointing' to describe how both he and Jarrad Branthwaite are initially feeling after the key Everton man was forced to undergo an operation
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton and David Moyes, Manager of Everton, acknowledge the fans after during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Everton FC at Brentford Community Stadium on February 26, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Everton manager David Moyes will have to wait a little longer to have Jarrad Branthwaite back in his team
View Image
Jarrad Branthwaite returned to Finch Farm this week after having surgery on his hamstring injury. The Everton centre-back underwent an operation on Tuesday, later posting on social media to say the process had been a success.
The 23-year-old is now set for a challenging period of rehabilitation as he seeks a return to action after an absence that has already extended beyond two months.
His last game for Everton came in August, in the final pre-season friendly against Roma, though he had been dealing with issues with the same hamstring since the final weeks of last season.
The setback suffered by Branthwaite was particularly cruel because it came with him just days from a return to the first team.
He had already started working with the first team at the club’s Halewood training HQ and David Moyes was contemplating whether to include him in the squad that travelled to the Etihad to face Manchester City last weekend.
Instead, his comeback has now been put on hold as he recovers from the operation it is hoped will put an end to his hamstring struggles.
Blues boss Moyes refused to put a timescale on the defender’s recovery but said he had been keeping in touch with him throughout the frustration of the past week.
Speaking on Friday, ahead of the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, he said: “Jarrad's here, he's in the building.
“He's fine, he is in a brace, he really is disappointed. We're hugely disappointed because Jarrad Branthwaite would be one of our top players and for us to be playing and not having him is a big, big blow to us.
“We've had to do it near enough all the season so far and he'll certainly be out for a little while longer.”
While disappointed by the setback, Branthwaite is understood to be determined to fight his way back and the former Carlisle man shared a defiant message with supporters after his operation, writing: “Operation completed successfully. Thanks to the medical team for their work and to everyone who’s reached out with messages of support. Even the negative ones add fuel to the fire and make me more determined.
“It’s been the toughest spell of my career so far but challenges build character.
“I’ll be stronger and better. Don’t doubt it.”