Jarrad Branthwaite has endured a torrid start to Everton’s 2025/26 campaign, with injury keeping him out of the opening months of the term.
David Moyes will have been delighted to see the 23-year-old sign a new deal over the summer to fend off any potential interest from other Premier League sides.
However, the defender is yet to play a competitive game for Everton since he put pen to paper on his improved contract.
Branthwaite recently underwent surgery following his latest hamstring setback, which has had him sidelined since the summer.
His absence has provided Michael Keane with an opportunity to establish himself in the starting XI alongside James Tarkowski.
But there may finally be some light at the end of the tunnel for Branthwaite, who has now shared an image of his recovery on social media.
Jarrad Branthwaite shares Everton injury update
Branthwaite has been fully focused on returning to full fitness despite the transfer speculation still following him beyond his new deal.
Where will Everton finish this season?
The 23-year-old has not played a single minute of football this season and a return before the New Year would now seem unlikely.
There has been some positive news, though, with the defender sharing an image on his social media account from a hotel in the United Arab Emirates.
Branthwaite shared the image through his Instagram account, where the defender was wearing compression trousers.
With the weather taking a cold turn in England, Everton have seemingly sent the defender away to benefit from some warm weather training.
Everton News understands that Everton are keen to add a new full-back over the January window, which could free up Jake O’Brien to return to his natural position in the middle.
The Toffees are starting to see their injury list grow as they head into the festive schedule, with Branthwaite’s return date still unknown.
Everton must add to their defence in January
The summer saw Everton do a considerable amount of business in the transfer window, with a number of players also leaving the club.
However, Moyes’ defence has seemingly gotten weaker since last season due to the injury issues being suffered.
Everton may need to qualify for Europe to keep some of their top players next year!
Keane has been sensational for Everton in the absence of Branthwaite, but an injury to him or Tarkowski could really spell trouble heading into a busy run of games.
Moyes has demanded more from his full-backs, which has even seen James Garner moved into defence to offer something new.
Adding some quality at right-back in January will offer cover at centre-back through O’Brien, but the Blues will be keen to avoid rushing Branthwaite back due to his injury history.
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