Image Credits: Imago Images
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to feature again this season after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday’s Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool.
The England centre-back was in tears as he was stretchered off in the 87th minute of Everton’s 2-1 loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Branthwaite had already missed the first five months of the season after undergoing hamstring surgery in October, returning in January.
However, this latest setback is unrelated, and a scan confirmed he will not require surgery, according to Everton. He will now begin rehabilitation at the club’s Finch Farm training ground.
A club statement read: “Everton can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday’s Merseyside derby.
“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.
The injury is a setback for Branthwaite’s World Cup hopes, with England’s tournament beginning on June 17 against Croatia in the United States.
He made his senior debut in a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina two years ago but missed out on the 26-man squad for Euro 2024. In February, Branthwaite said he was aiming to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the tournament.
“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.”
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.”
Jarrad Branthwaite has made 10 appearances this season for Everton, scoring once and providing one assist. Everton are currently 10th in the league and still in contention for European qualification, sitting just three points behind sixth-placed Brighton.