Everton Defender Jarrad Branthwaite Undergoes Hamstring Surgery After Recovery Setback

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite will undergo surgery due to a complication in his recovery from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since August. Despite previously being close to returning to first-team training, the 23-year-old England international experienced a setback that led to the decision for surgery, followed by a structured rehabilitation program supervised by Everton's medical team. Branthwaite had signed a new long-term contract with Everton over the summer, rejecting interest from Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, but his recurring muscular problems pose a significant blow to the club, which regards him as crucial to its future. Manager David Moyes emphasized Branthwaite's importance and noted the player's ongoing physical development may be contributing to his injury issues. The surgery signals that Branthwaite, who had been a key and highly valued player for Everton, will be out for an extended period, marking another challenging season for him and the club. Everton currently face the prospect of missing one of their best defenders during a difficult campaign following his latest setback.