Everton’s talented young centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered another injury blow just as the club prepares for its Premier League pre-season. Although the club initially downplayed the problem as minor, growing concerns are emerging over his readiness for the start of the campaign.
Doubts Over Fitness and Tour Absence
The 23-year-old, who recently committed his future to Everton with a new long-term contract, will miss both the team’s pre-season tour of the United States and their participation in the Premier League’s Summer Series.
Officially, Everton have described the setback as minor, but former club scout Bryan King suggested to Goodison News that the problem could be more significant than the club is letting on.
> “I suspect the injury may be worse than it’s being made out to be… Usually, they would have taken him to the USA for squad bonding,” King remarked.
Potential Impact on the New Season
Manager David Moyes, aiming for a strong start to the campaign, regards Branthwaite as a cornerstone of his defence. Supporters and analysts will be closely following his progress to see whether he will be available for the opening match away to Leeds United on 18 August.
Everton’s early fixture list also features a home clash with Brighton on 24 August, an away trip to Wolves on 30 August, a home match against Aston Villa on 13 September, and a Merseyside derby at Liverpool’s Anfield on 20 September. Whether Branthwaite is in the lineup could significantly influence Everton’s defensive stability in these critical games.
History of Setbacks
The defender endured a stop-start 2024–25 season due to repeated injuries. Records on Transfermarkt show he picked up a groin injury in July 2024, underwent surgery in August, and was sidelined until late September—missing roughly 61 days and around 10 games. A recurrence of groin trouble in October then forced him out for an additional 18 days.
