Fit-again Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite is hoping to put last season’s injury woes behind him – after a spell in Germany.
The defender from Wigton returned to action for Everton in their pre-season friendly against Bolton Wanderers.
It was his first outing since he suffered a latest hamstring injury against Liverpool in the Premier League in April.
Since then the 24-year-old has undergone a fresh period of rehabilitation, with a trip to Germany a key part of his recovery.
Rehab at 🏠+🇩🇪
First minutes of pre-season 🔋
Next steps 💪
Great to have you back, Jarrad! 💙 pic.twitter.com/niGGiqk9iJ
— Everton (@Everton) July 26, 2026
The England international hopes the new approach to the injury will pay off in the long term.
“After the Liverpool game it was tough, and we had to re-evaluate different things,” said Branthwaite in a club interview.
“I headed out to Germany to see some people out there and do my rehab there for a few weeks – [it was] just a different way of looking at things, alongside the club as well.
“It was good to bring the two parties together and hopefully resolve some issues, and hopefully I can kick on now.”
Branthwaite played the first 45 minutes in the 0-0 draw at Bolton and he is now targeting more important pre-season action before the top-flight campaign gets under way on August 22.
The Toffees have five more friendlies scheduled – against Stoke City, Hamburg, VFB Stuttgart, Newcastle United and Lille – before their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
Former Carlisle United defender Branthwaite added: “It was good to get back out there.
“It’s a long time since the Liverpool game last season, so it was good to get back out there and hopefully gradually build my minutes and get ready for the start of the season.
“It’s just about managing the work in pre-season – not pushing myself too hard but getting the work in, and being ready for the first game of the season, and to have a positive season and put last season behind me.”
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