Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has a thigh injury and is set to miss the Premier League Summer Series matches in the United States
16:02, 24 Jul 2025Updated 16:02, 24 Jul 2025
Captain Jarrad Branthwaite prepares to lead Everton out for their pre-season friendly at Accrington Stanley on July 15, 2025(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
Everton have explained Jarrad Branthwaite’s absence from the United States tour. The defender was not spotted in images of the players boarding the plane on Wednesday.
The Blues have since provided an answer, with the defender said to be nursing a thigh injury after the first two pre-season games.
“Jarrad Branthwaite has not travelled to the USA with the Everton Men’s squad for the Premier League Summer Series after sustaining a minor niggle in Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Blackburn Rovers,” he said. “The centre-back is undergoing rehabilitation with Club medical staff at Finch Farm.”
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The news will be a concern for manager David Moyes, as Everton are already short of first-team players for the trip to the States.
Although the Blues have signed Carlos Alcaraz, Thierno Barry and Mark Travers, a number of departures at the end of last season have left the squad looking bare ahead of the new term.
Everton already have injury concerns at the heart of their defence too. James Tarkowski is still undergoing rehabilitation after suffering an injury at the end of last season and has yet to feature in either game this summer.
The Blues do have Jake O’Brien and Michael Keane available after the latter signed a contract extension; the duo played together in the 1-0 win over Newcastle United on the final day of last season.
Branthwaite has also committed his future to the club despite transfer interest in the previous two off-seasons. The defender signed a new five-year contract in what was viewed as a major statement of intent from new owners The Friedkin Group.
Everton will hope his recovery is swift ahead of the new Premier League season. They visit Leeds United on August 18 in their season opener.