Jarrad Branthwaite Injury Update: Everton Star to Miss World Cup and Season Finale

Everton’s defensive line has suffered a major blow as centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite was stretchered off during the closing stages of the Merseyside derby on Sunday. The 23-year-old defender sustained a significant right hamstring injury in the 87th minute of the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after falling awkwardly while contesting possession. The setback occurred just as the defender was finding form in the 2025-26 season following a previous long-term surgery, leaving manager David Moyes and England fans questioning, Is Jarrad Branthwaite injured for the long term? With scans confirming that Jarrad Branthwaite injury will sideline him for at least two months, Everton must now navigate their European qualification push without their primary defensive anchor.

Jarrad Branthwaite Injury: What Happened?

The incident occurred late in the second half when Branthwaite was knocked off balance and fell onto the pitchside track. While attempting to recover his position, he appeared to suffer a recurrence of the hamstring issues that had plagued his 2025-26 campaign. Branthwaite, who had already missed the first half of the season following surgery in October last year, was visibly distraught and had to be stretchered off the field.

Medical reports suggest the Jarrad Branthwaite injury involves damage to the same right leg, though not exactly in the same area as his previous surgery. Manager David Moyes expressed deep concern after the match, noting that Branthwaite had been the "best player on the pitch" before the mishap. The injury is a massive blow for the Toffees, as the young defender had only recently reached 10 appearances for the season.

Will Jarrad Branthwaite miss the 2026 World Cup?

For supporters asking, "Is Jarrad Branthwaite injured for the rest of the year?" the answer is, unfortunately, yes regarding the current domestic season. Branthwaite is expected to be out for approximately two months, effectively ending his 2025-26 Premier League campaign and dashing his hopes of joining Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup in North America.

The club's medical staff expects a return to training by July 2026, provided his rehabilitation stays on track. Until then, Michael Keane is the most likely candidate to step into the starting XI alongside James Tarkowski. Further defensive reshuffling might see Jake O'Brien, who has often featured at right-back under Moyes, move into a more central role if further cover is needed. While the Jarrad Branthwaite injury is a season-ending setback, the focus is now on ensuring the defender is fully fit for the 2026-27 pre-season.