Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to feature again this season after sustaining a hamstring injury during Sunday's Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool. The 22-year-old was stretchered off in tears after pulling up during the 2-1 loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Toffees manager David Moyes expressed concern that the injury 'could be serious'. Branthwaite left the ground on crutches, but scans have revealed no surgery is required.
A club statement confirmed: 'Everton can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday’s Merseyside derby. 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.'
Branthwaite had already missed the first five months of the season due to hamstring surgery in October, returning in January. This latest setback also jeopardises his chances of making England's squad for the World Cup, which begins on June 17 against Croatia.
In February, Branthwaite admitted he was aiming to push for a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad. 'It's got to be the goal,' he said. 'To miss all the time I’ve missed this season, it’s had a huge impact on the momentum. Hopefully I'm past that now, and I can get a good momentum going, stay injury-free, play to the end of the season and push for the World Cup squad.'
Everton are hopeful Branthwaite will be fit for pre-season, avoiding further surgery on the hamstring.
