Everton have been dealt a new injury blow after Jarrad Branthwaite suffered a setback in his recovery.
The start of a season usually brings huge excitement, but Everton were dealt bad news before the campaign even kicked off.
Jarrad Branthwaite picked up an injury before Everton’s trip to Leeds United and hasn’t played since.
The England international had been expected to return in the near future, but that won’t be happening now.
Everton have confirmed a new setback for Branthwaite, stating on the club’s official website that he has suffered a ‘complication’ in his recovery.
- READ MORE: Everton could now intensify interest in ‘excellent’ defender after Jarrad Branthwaite injury setback
Everton fans on Jarrad Branthwaite setback
Branthwaite will now undergo surgery in an attempt to completely solve the problem and get back to action without any further issues.
Michael Keane has impressed this season, but Branthwaite’s quality would be welcomed in the heart of Everton’s back line.
Toffees fans have been taking to social media to react to Branthwaite’s setback, with most supporters gutted for him.
Many believe that Branthwaite would have been pushing for an England call-up ahead of the World Cup, but his injuries may ruin that dream.
Others are asking questions of the Everton medical team amid Branthwaite’s continued problems, ultimately feeling that he is a huge miss in defence.
Some are even comparing Branthwaite to Yerry Mina and Jonathan Woodgate, believing that his injuries could ruin his career.
- Terrible news about Branthwaite, that. He’s got such terrible luck, especially when in a major tournament year.
- The Branthwaite news is devastating for club, player and fans. The defence is far weaker without him.
- Feel for Branthwaite, he would have had one eye on the World Cup next year. What worries me is how can medical team let him train Friday and then Tuesday, he has to have an operation. Needs looking into.
- Awful news on Branthwaite. Whilst Keane has done a good job filling in, he’s no Branthwaite.
- Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury record is getting increasingly more concerning, excellent player, but keeps picking up these injuries.
- Branthwaite is the new Yerry Mina, isn’t he
- Got an injury record like Yerry Mina. Muscles made out of wafer-thin ham slices.
- Should’ve sold him, he’s turned into Yerry Mina
- Huge issue, Branthwaite’s injury record now, the plan has to be a slow return, finish the season strong and cash in. Year in year out this now.
- Fast becoming a DCL situation. Medical team need looking at, he’s clearly being rushed back in too soon. Playing a very dangerous game with a young and promising player.
- Hope we aren’t seeing Jonathan Woodgate II.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 10 |  BrightonBrighton | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 11 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 12 |
| 12 |  EvertonEverton | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 11 |
| 13 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 9 |
| 14 |  FulhamFulham | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 12 | -4 | 8 |
Everton must target another left-footed defender
Keane and James Tarkowski look set to continue as Everton’s centre-back pairing, while Jake O’Brien could move into his more natural position if needed.
Everton have options at centre-back, but it would be wise for David Moyes to look for left-footed options at the back.
Branthwaite is a natural left-footed defender, and bringing another similar option into the squad would be hugely beneficial.
Branthwaite provides balance at the back, and his absence leaves Everton without a like-for-like replacement.
Left-footed centre-backs don’t come cheap in the current market, but Everton should look at potential January additions amid growing concern over Branthwaite.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
