Everton have confirmed Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to play again this season.
The 23-year-old defender has suffered a hamstring injury unrelated to the issue that kept him out for the early months of the season.
Branthwaite will prove a big miss for Everton having performed to a high level following his return from a lengthy absence.
Did Everton miss an opportunity to cash in on Branthwaite? 🫣
His constant hamstring injuries have to be a huge concern…
David Moyes will now have to decide on how he will replace his prized defender in the remaining five games of the season.
Everton issue Jarrad Branthwaite update
Word on Tuesday was shared that Branthwaite’s injury was not as bad as feared after the defender left the pitch visibly distraught.
How would you line up for West Ham, with confirmation needed on Beto’s fitness… 😬
Another big decision needs to be made at centre-back, too! 🫣
The club revealed on Wednesday that the latest setback will not require surgery.
“Everton can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday’s Merseyside derby,” read the statement.
“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.”
Everton were warned about Branthwaite’s fitness earlier in the year on the back of his return from a lengthy lay-off.
The 23-year-old had played a lot of minutes upon his return at the end of January.
Lessons are going to have to be learned as the defender is seemingly unable to play the regular minutes Moyes had demanded in recent weeks.
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