Everton cannot re-sign John Stones this summer, following Jarrad Branthwaite’s latest injury.
As if the result was not frustrating enough, Everton lost Branthwaite to what appears another serious injury blow.
Defensive additions will be on the radar this summer, with Everton considering a swoop for Stones.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
However, Branthwaite’s latest setback must act as a warning to the Blues against making a move for their former defender.
Everton warning against John Stones signing through latest Jarrad Branthwaite injury
After the game on Sunday, David Moyes admitted Branthwaite’s latest injury worried him.
The defender has only played 10 times this season on the back of his long-term hamstring issue that required surgery last year.
How worried are you about Branthwaite’s inability to stay fit? 🤕
He's become a real liability in terms of his fitness 😫
Amid the concerns over Branthwaite’s injury, Fabrizio Romano has claimed Stones is expected to leave Manchester City this summer as a free agent.
It is the news that many were expecting, but the developments over the weekend must act as a warning to Everton against re-signing Stones.
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Everton cannot add another injury-prone defender
Branthwaite’s emotions were on full display for millions watching to see as he was withdrawn from the game on a stretcher.
The 23-year-old knows exactly what a bad hamstring injury will feel like and he was clenching his right hamstring whilst visibly distraught.
Branthwaite has missed over 160 days of the 2025/26 campaign through injury, and adding a player with Stones’ injury record to the defensive options would not make for a wise decision.
Stones would be in favour of returning to Everton and he could certainly bring a lot of experience back to Merseyside.
However, his injury history must outweigh the positives as far as Everton are concerned.
| Last two seasons | Injury | Duration | Games missed |
| 2025/26 | Thigh problems | 67 days | 18 |
| 2025/26 | Calf injury | 22 days | 3 |
| 2025/26 | Muscle injury | 15 days | 3 |
| 2024/25 | Hamstring injury | 94 days | 18 |
| 2024/25 | Foot injury | 30 days | 6 |
| 2024/25 | Foot injury | 22 days | 5 |
| 2024/25 | Unknown injury | 18 days | 5 |
The 31-year-old has only played 353 minutes of Premier League football this season, having missed over 100 days of football to injuries.
Given his experience, Stones would be unlikely to arrive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on a cheap salary, but his record makes it unlikely Everton would get enough value out of him to warrant his wage.
Everton must strengthen their defence with a reliable option and Stones has proven his injuries do not make him that.
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