Jarrad Branthwaite Injury Update
Right now, the not-so-great news for Everton fans is that Jarrad Branthwaite is still sidelined with his hamstring injury. He hasn’t played a single minute this Premier League season—a sentence that stings just a bit, doesn’t it?—and he’s still a doubt for Everton’s return against Aston Villa on September 13. The hopes for a miraculous return keep flickering, but for now, Moyes and company are stuck waiting.
How and When Did It Happen?
Branthwaite picked up the injury right before the season opener, during a routine sprint in training. And just like that—bam, out of the lineup. Football can be so heartbreakingly random: one day you’re prepping for Elland Road, next thing you know it’s “four weeks out, minimum.” The worst part? This is the same hamstring he hurt last May, which knocked him out of the very last game at Goodison. My group chat went wild with speculation: “Is it the training methods? Bad luck? Did someone jinx him after he signed that contract?”
Progress: Some Hope, Some Frustration
He is, thankfully, making progress. Branthwaite’s workload has ramped up in training, and a few encouraging updates have trickled out: “He’s recovering well,” went the club line. But the coaching staff hasn’t made any bold promises, which honestly—given Everton’s recent luck with defenders—is probably wise. You get the feeling even Branthwaite’s dog is tapping its paws, waiting for the green light to run around Finch Farm again.
What’s the Timeline for Return?
All signs point to a possible late-September return, but even that’s not set in stone. The hope is he’ll be able to rejoin the squad for the second half of the month—maybe after the Aston Villa or Liverpool matches, if the stars (and hamstrings) align. In the meantime, Michael Keane steps in, and Everton fans everywhere hold their collective breath every time an opposing forward barrels down the center. If you’re counting matches missed (who isn’t?), he’ll have sat out at least six through September—including a Merseyside Derby and England’s World Cup qualifiers. Ouch.
What This Means for Everton’s Defense
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Everton’s defense is looking the definition of “patchwork” right now. Not only is Branthwaite out, but regulars like Nathan Patterson, Adam Aznou, and Vitaly Mykolenko are also nursing their own injuries. If there was ever a time for Moyes to buy some bubble wrap (extra strength), it’s now. Talk about a preseason curveball—everyone gets excited about new signings, then spends September searching for silver linings.
- Michael Keane: filling the gap, but he’s no Branthwaite
- Tarkowski: also fresh off surgery, so it’s “cross your fingers” time at the back
- Fans: alternating between gallows humor and half-serious TikTok prayers for a healing miracle
Jarrad Branthwaite: Injury History at a Glance
Let’s keep it real: Branthwaite isn’t known for recurring hamstring injuries—most of his previous absences were due to groin problems. But this latest blow is the second hamstring injury in just a few months. Maybe it’s time to ban sprints at Finch Farm altogether, or just invest in a better luck crystal.
Here’s a quick summary of his recent issues:
- May 2025: Right hamstring, out for the final match of the previous season
- Aug 2025: Re-injured same hamstring during training, misses all matches so far this season
Every supporter’s got their own small story here: That time you saw Branthwaite bossing it in the air against City, or the way he made a last-ditch tackle against Brighton—moments that really underscore what Everton’s missing.
Emotional Fallout and Rumor Mill
Let’s be honest: Losing a key defender (especially one with Premier League and England ambitions) frankly stinks. Social media swung between “we’re doomed!” and “he’ll be back soon, don’t panic.” That’s football. Someone in my local (Everton-dominated) pub put it best over a pint: “It’s not just the tackles we miss, it’s the calmness. Lad’s got ice in his veins—and right now, we’ve got a freezer full of sausages instead.” Not much you can do but wait, hope, and count the days until the Branthwaite shirt gets muddy again.
