(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Injury Hub

David Moyes has growing ‘concern’ as Jarrad Branthwaite injury latest emerges at Everton

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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While Everton have had a good start to their 2025/26 season, David Moyes has been without one of his best players.

Jarrod Branthwaite has been injured at Everton since pre-season and has missed the opening four matches of the new campaign.

It is expected that Branthwaite will be out of action until the end of September for Everton, in what is no doubt a blow with the Merseyside derby coming up.

While Michael Keane has stepped up in recent matches, the Toffees have still been shipping goals, conceding two last weekend against Wolves.

However, this is not the first time Everton have had to start their season without Branthwaite.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in a tracksuit top.
Jarrad Branthwaite is currently injured for Everton (Credit: Imago)

This article includes exclusive comment from former Everton scout Bryan King.

Bryan King: Longevity of Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury is a concern

For the second season running, Branthwaite has picked up an injury for Everton at the start of the campaign.

Last year, the centre-back wasn’t starting regularly for the Toffees until mid-November after picking up a groin issue.

With the defender being just 23 years old, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Goodison News, believes that the length of time it takes him to recover is a concern.

  • Branthwaite has established himself as one of Everton's best players
  • The centre-back made 33 appearances in all competitions last season
  • Recently, the 23-year-old has struggled with injuries

“He (Branthwaite) just signed a new contract, so that’s his future,” King said.

“The biggest thing for him is, what is the injury? What’s causing the trouble?

“He’s young, and he should be in a position to recover quite quickly from these kinds of injuries.

“He’s well below 30; he should be recovering quicker from the issues that he is picking up. But for him to have picked up an injury in pre-season, and still not be back in the team by September, is a concern.

“Luckily, they’ve got the international break to see if they can get him fit. But how close is he? That’s the thing?

“He’s obviously a very important factor in the way that Everton are going to build their team.”

Michael Keane
Michael Keane has been covering for Branthwaite (Credit: Imago)

How well has Michael Keane replaced Jarrad Branthwaite?

While Keane hasn't been awful for Everton in the opening matches, Moyes will be keen to get Branthwaite back into the team.

According to Fotmob on 3 September, the defender hasn’t impressed defensively, losing a good number of tackles and duels. 

Michael Keane in the Premier League this seasonPer 90 minutes
Passing accuracy 82.8%
Tackles won 0.33
Tackles won percentage 33.3%
Duels won 3.33
Duels won percentage 62.5%
Aerial duels won 2
Aerial duels won percentage 60%
Keane doesn't have the best stats

Therefore, Branthwaite is no doubt missed in the starting XI, with the centre-back having a commanding presence in the backline.

Hopefully, the 23-year-old will be back from the sidelines sooner rather than later.

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Jarrad Branthwaite
David Moyes
Michael Keane
Bryan King
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