The injury to Jarrad Branthwaite has created food for thought at Everton.
The Toffees were attempting to manage the England international carefully, with The Athletic claiming that he was kept out of certain sessions at Finch Farm having missed the first 22 Premier League games of this season with an injury to the same hamstring.
Everton must now consider how best to move forward with Jarrad Branthwaite to ensure no more setbacks occur, and The Athletic say a new right-back is set to be targeted in order to give David Moyes an extra option in the centre of defence.
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
Jake O’Brien likely to move centrally to provide more rotation options for Jarrad Branthwaite
It is said that Everton will be targeting a new right-back this summer, which will then allow the £17m man Jake O’Brien to return to his natural position in the centre of defence, which is where he sees his future.
Everton are keen to ‘reduce their exposure’ to muscle injuries, with Branthwaite the main concern.
The Athletic say Michael Keane will be signed up for the 2026/27 campaign before his contract expires to provide Moyes with options in central defence, where O’Brien will also be available along with James Tarkowski as Everton aim to manage Branthwaite’s minutes more effectively.
It is not made clear which right-back Everton will target, although a few names have already been mentioned in the winter transfer window.
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Alan Myers told Everton News that fans should keep an eye on Blackburn No.2 Ryan Alebiosu this summer, a player who could be on the move after an excellent campaign at Ewood Park.
Everton also like Ben White – although the Arsenal No.4 could be quite expensive.
Manchester City No.82 Rico Lewis is being considered too after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola.
Did Everton miss an opportunity to cash in on Branthwaite? 🫣
His constant hamstring injuries have to be a huge concern…
Jarrad Branthwaite playing for Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
With Keane and Tarkowski both 33 years of age, it very much feels like the long-term plan is to have Branthwaite and O’Brien partnering each other in the centre of defence, although that will all hinge on whether the Everton No.32 can shake off his hamstring problems.
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