Everton star linked with sensational Liverpool transfer suffers injury setback

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Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite is set to undergo surgery on Tuesday after suffering a major fresh injury blow, just as manager David Moyes had been optimistic about his most prized asset accelerating his comeback. The 23-year-old has been absent for Everton throughout the entire campaign, but Moyes revealed he had returned to grass work during his pre-match press briefing on Friday ahead of the Manchester City clash the next day, with the club subsequently releasing a batch of images over the weekend showing Branthwaite participating in training alongside his teammates, both in match scenarios and while connected to a resistance band.

Nevertheless, he now faces an extended spell out of action with the club releasing the following statement: "Everton Football Club can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite has experienced a complication in his recovery from a hamstring injury. "Branthwaite will commence a structured rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the club's medical team following the operation." Branthwaite committed his future to Everton by signing a new contract in July (Image: Getty Images) Branthwaite's debut in competitive action since signing a new five-year contract in July continues to be delayed.

His breakthrough season saw Branthwaite play 41 matches across all competitions, including 35 in the Premier League, score the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool, marking Everton's first Merseyside Derby success at Goodison in 13-and-a-half years, and earn his first full cap when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James' Park in June 2024. After pledging his future to the club until 2030, he featured in the Blues' first two friendlies at Accrington Stanley and Blackburn ahead of the 2025-26 season, but remained in the United Kingdom when the team travelled to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series.