Jarrad Branthwaite was taken off on a stretcher in tears after pulling up hurt during Everton's 2-1 derby defeat to Liverpool on Sunday
Jarrad Branthwaite after picking up an injury against Liverpool
Jarrad Branthwaite after picking up an injury against Liverpool(Image: (Gareth Copley/Getty Images))
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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a hamstring injury against Liverpool on Sunday. The centre-back was taken off on a stretcher in tears after pulling up hurt during his side’s 2-1 Merseyside derby defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Branthwaite left the ground on crutches and Toffees boss David Moyes said he was concerned the injury "could be serious". Although the England international is unlikely to feature again this season, Everton are hopeful Branthwaite will avoid surgery and will be back to play a role in pre-season.
“Everton can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday’s Merseyside derby,” a club statement read.
“The injury is unrelated to the hamstring area which required surgery in October, with a scan confirming no procedure is needed this time around.
“Branthwaite will now undergo rehabilitation at Finch Farm with Everton’s medical team and is unlikely to feature again this season.”
Branthwaite missed the first five months of the season – having hamstring surgery in October – and returned to the side in January.
And the injury is a blow to his World Cup hopes, as England's tournament starts on June 17 against Croatia in the United States.
Jarrad Branthwaite leaves on a stretcher during the match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite leaves on a stretcher during the match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
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Speaking back in February, Branthwaite revealed he was aiming to make a late push to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
“It’s got to be [the goal],” he said. “That was my aim at the start of the season. It's going to be difficult. I think the only thing I can do is go out there and put on good performances every game and give myself the best possible chance.”
Before he added: “To miss all the time I've missed this season, it's had a huge impact on the momentum I had in the last couple of seasons.
“Hopefully I'm past that now, and I can get a good momentum going, stay injury-free, play to the end of the season and push for the World Cup squad hopefully.”
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