Everton suffer huge Jarrad Branthwaite injury blow ahead of Leeds United clash
Everton are only days away from kicking off their 2025/26 campaign against Leeds United, and unfortunately, David Moyes has suffered a huge blow.
Everton’s summer transfer window has seriously kicked into gear in the past week.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joined on a five-year deal after leaving Chelsea, and Jack Grealish was announced as a loan signing from Manchester City on Tuesday.
As a result of their ambition, Micah Richards thinks Everton can finish in mid-table next season after campaigns of continuously battling against relegation.
Supporters will be confident of an exciting season at the Hill Dickinson stadium, but sadly, ahead of their visit to Leeds United, the Toffees have suffered an injury blow.
Jarrad Branthwaite suffers hamstring injury in Everton training
The Bobble confirmed on X that star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered a hamstring injury in training on Wednesday afternoon.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered a hamstring injury in training 🔵 pic.twitter.com/MWsv2FRwS6
— The Bobble (@ElBobble) August 13, 2025
While the extent of the injury isn’t known, it is expected he will be miss the opening month of the campaign, dealing David Moyes a huge problem.
Branthwaite was a key player for Moyes last term, continuing his incredible partnership alongside James Tarkowski.
Consequently, Branthwaite has been regularly linked with a move to some bigger clubs, including Manchester United.
This hamstring injury suffered by the 23-year-old was the latest of many sustained in pre-season, and supporters will hope the Englishman makes a speedy recovery.
Who will replace Branthwaite against Leeds United?
Ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Everton would have wanted to avoid any injuries, but Moyes must now find a replacement for the talented defender.
That is likely to come in the shape of Michael Keane, who signed a one-year contract extension at the club in July after it looked like he was going to leave.
With Jake O’Brien starring as a right back, Keane is the natural replacement for Branthwaite, and that may worry some supporters.
The former Manchester United defender has often looked shaky in defence and they will hope he doesn’t make any mistakes if he’s called upon against Leeds.
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