Jarrad Branthwaite did not travel with the Everton squad on Tuesday to face Stoke City at the bet 365 Stadium.
This comes just days after the centre-back played the opening 45 minutes against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Naturally, there will be some concerns among the Everton fanbase following two significant injuries for the defender last season.
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However, Everton have issued a statement on Branthwaite’s absence to ease the minds of the supporters.
“Jarrad Branthwaite is not part of Everton’s matchday squad for tonight’s pre-season friendly at Stoke City as part of his planned reintegration into the squad following the hamstring injury he sustained towards the end of last season,” read the statement.
“The centre-back played the first half at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and, as scheduled, will now continue full training at Finch Farm this week ahead of being involved in the Blues’ next friendly against Hamburger SV at Volksparkstadion on Saturday.”
Everton were warned about Branthwaite’s fitness earlier in the year prior to his latest injury, which was picked up in the Merseyside derby.
Behind the scenes, Branthwaite has been helping Hayden Hackney to settle in at Everton; Hackney will make his debut for the Toffees against Bolton.
Following a difficult 2025/26 campaign, this is a positive step for Everton in limiting Branthwaite’s efforts this summer.
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