Everton star suffers World Cup heartbreak after picking up injury in Liverpool defeat

Jack Otway
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:21:35 +0000

Scans have confirmed that Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite will be sidelined for approximately two months due to a hamstring injury, bringing his campaign to a premature end.

The 23-year-old sustained the problem during the closing minutes of Sunday's Merseyside derby, a 2-1 loss to Liverpool, and was carried from the pitch on a stretcher.

His absence also rules him out of contention for Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup, ending what had been growing speculation about his international prospects.

Medical staff remain optimistic that Branthwaite will return in time for pre-season preparations, with the injury proving less severe than initially anticipated.

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The defender went down in the latter stages of the match while the score remained level at 1-1, before Liverpool ultimately secured victory.

This setback marks the second significant hamstring problem Branthwaite has faced this season.

He missed the opening half of the campaign after undergoing surgery in October, keeping him out for five months.

Crucially, while the fresh injury affects the same leg, it is believed to have occurred in a different area of the muscle.

This distinction has raised hopes among medical staff that his recovery period will be considerably shorter than the lengthy spell he endured earlier in the season.

David Moyes expressed significant concern about his defender following the derby, while also highlighting the quality of his display before the injury struck.

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"Jarrad was probably the best player on the pitch. I thought he played so well," the Everton manager said after the match.

Moyes added: "I'm worried it could be serious, but we'll have to wait and see. We've not had any results."

The loss of Branthwaite represents a substantial blow for the Toffees boss, particularly given the outstanding form the centre-back had demonstrated in recent weeks.

Everton currently occupy 10th position in the Premier League standings, though they remain within touching distance of the European places with just a single point separating them from Chelsea in sixth.

With five fixtures still to play this season, Michael Keane is expected to deputise at centre-back in Branthwaite's absence.

The experienced defender will be tasked with helping the club maintain their push towards the upper reaches of the table during the final weeks of the campaign.

There is optimism that Branthwaite will be fit and available when the squad reconvenes for summer training ahead of the new season.

Everton are next in action against West Ham on Saturday (3pm).