(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Everton news round-up: Jarrad Branthwaite update as Ornella Vignola joins elite WSL group

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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Everton still have plenty of news circulating despite in being the international break. 

The Premier League has been temporarily halted to allow the World Cup qualifiers to take place.

However, David Moyes still has still had to prepare for Everton’s upcoming match against Aston Villa on the weekend.

Now Goodison News has rounded up all of the latest talking points from the last 24 hours.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been out injured for Everton (Credit: Imago)

Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko missing as Everton train

One of the biggest losses for Everton so far this season has been Jarrad Branthwaite, who is out injured.

The centre-back suffered a hamstring issue in pre-season, which has prevented the defender from making an appearance at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

With the international break underway, there was a hope that the centre-back could use this time to get back into training.

  • 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

However, Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor reported that there is still no sign of Branthwaite or Vitaliy Mykolenko in Everton training.

He said: “Mykolenko is not out there and is still being assessed.

“There’s also no Jarrad Branthwaite, who’s still recovering from a hamstring injury.” 

Everton Women's star Ornella Vignola celebrates.
Ornella Vignola had an outstanding debut for Everton Women (Credit: Imago)

Ornella Vignola becomes only the second WSL player ever to score a hat-trick on her debut

While the men have been out of action, Everton Women kick-started their 2025/26 campaign on Sunday.

The Toffees overcame Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield in what was no doubt an impressive display. 

The star of the show was no doubt Ornella Vignola, who netted a hat-trick for Everton against Liverpool.

Now, it has become apparent that Vignola is only the second WSL player ever to score a hat-trick on her debut.

Everton manager David Moyes smiling.
David Moyes will be hoping to pick up three points against Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa suffer another injury blow ahead of Everton

With the end of the international break edging closer, focus is now shifting towards the Toffees’ upcoming match against Aston Villa.

The Birmingham outfit have struggled so far this campaign, and are yet to score a single goal.

Now, Unai Emery’s side have suffered another blow in their preparation for the match.

Matty Cash was forced off in Poland’s match against Finland, and he could now be ruled out for the Everton tie.

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Jarrad Branthwaite
Ornella Vignola
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