Everton have a real problem involving Jarrad Branthwaite after the England international suffered yet another hamstring setback.
Having already missed the first 22 games of this Premier League season with a hamstring issue, the Everton No.32 suffered a reoccurrence of the same problem during the Merseyside derby – posing a serious concern for David Moyes.
As Jarrad Branthwaite embarks on yet another journey to full fitness, Everton must consider sending the defender to see Marijana Kovacevic – a muscle specialist with a quirky technique previously used by the likes of Robin van Persie and Vincent Kompany.
How worried are you about Branthwaite’s inability to stay fit? 🤕
He's become a real liability in terms of his fitness 😫
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton FC reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej/MB Media
The “bizarre” Marijana Kovacevic technique which could help Jarrad Branthwaite
Some readers may recall Van Persie causing a stir in the media when he went against Arsenal and opted to visit Kovacevic in Belgrade.
The Serbian doctor had gained popularity across the football community for helping to speed up recoveries from injuries, particularly muscle problems. The Athletic recall that English media outlets called her methods “bizarre” and “radical” – as the treatment involved a fluid made up of placenta going into the affected area.
Serbian defender Goran Lovre said: “The medicine is made from the placenta and contains cells which will really speed up the recovery process. She goes six inches deep into the body. Once that has taken place, electrical equipment is attached to the leg and the skin around ligaments and muscles. The stimulation improves the medicine reaching various places of the injury.”
While managing Liverpool, Rafa Benitez sent Yossi Benayoun, Glen Johnson and Albert Riera to see Kovacevic, and all three had positive feedback.
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The Spaniard said in 2009: “Many top players have been going for seven years. It has been successful and I believe it is safe.”
Former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta is said to have told Riera about the treatment, with Benitez adding: “City have sent two, Kompany and Zabaleta beforehand, and they were playing within days. We checked it out when we became aware of the different players who had been there. I must admit we have been surprised with how well it has worked.”
There were some who failed to see the benefits of visiting Kovacevic, with Van Persie ultimately failing to see much benefit on his damaged ankle, although it is worth noting that was more of a bone injury compared to the muscle problem Branthwaite – who Everton hope to have back within two months – is experiencing.
Frank Lampard also went to Belgrade for treatment on a thigh injury, but was left unimpressed and swiftly returned to London, while Diego Costa failed to see the placenta-based fluid help his hamstring issues.
Everton fans, how do you feel about our European football prospects now with five games to go? 🤔
The defeat to Liverpool was a sickener, but we're still right in the mix! 🙏
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool.
Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington
Nevertheless, Everton are in a worrying situation involving Branthwaite – who is too good a talent to have fade away – so even the most extreme methods need to be explored.
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