Jarrad Branthwaite injury update drops ahead of Everton vs Aston Villa
Jarrad Branthwaite is yet to make an appearance for Everton this season after the defender suffered a setback in his return from injury.
David Moyes hoped to sign a new defender on deadline day, with the Toffees facing several injuries at the back.
Vitalii Mykolenko left the Ukraine national team camp with an injury, and the timeline of his return is yet to be revealed.
Adam Aznou has made his return for Everton, however, which will come as a boost for Moyes’ squad.
James Garner has been forced to fill in on the left side of the defence for much of this season and the midfielder may be required once again, should the Moroccan not be fit after the international break.
Jarrad Branthwaite ‘recovering well’ from injury
Branthwaite’s injury was expected to keep him out until October, with the defender aggravating a hamstring injury that had ruled him out of the final game of the season.
In his absence, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have formed a strong partnership in the centre of defence for Moyes, but an injury to either could cause issues.
Everton’s other option is Jake O’Brien, but the Republic of Ireland international has emerged as the Toffee’s first choice at right-back.
Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman have suffered from extensive injury issues over the last few seasons, allowing for the 24-year-old to gain significant experience in the position.
| Branthwaite featured | Everton 2024/25 – Premier League | Branthwaite unavailable |
| 30 | Played | 8 |
| 9 | Won | 2 |
| 8 | Lost | 4 |
| 13 | Drawn | 2 |
The latter is back and available for selection, but Moyes will be reluctant to subject the 36-year-old to regular minutes in the Premier League.
Everton have received a boost in the case of Branthwaite, however, with The Bobble reporting via X on Friday 5 that the England international has stepped up his workload in training.
The Toffees insider shared that the 23-year-old is “recovering well” from his hamstring injury, but his potential involvement in the clash against Aston Villa on 13 September is unclear.
Everton will hope to have Jarrad Branthwaite back for Merseyside derby
Everton will not want to rush Branthwaite back. The defender is a key part of the defence when fit, and Moyes will be reluctant to risk a further injury.
The worst-case scenario, a tear of the hamstring, would result in at least a three-month layoff, and the Toffees would be left in a perilous position.
But Everton will hope the trip to Anfield on 20 September could be an opportune moment to reintroduce Branthwaite.
Liverpool will present the biggest test of the season so far for Moyes’ new-look Everton, and the defender’s quality will be key to any chance of securing a first win there since 2021.
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