Jarrad Branthwaite
EVE
Center Back
Left Back
Controlled Center Back
Jun 27, 2002 (24)
Left
6'5"
192 lb
Dealing with concussion protocols
Branthwaite has been ruled out for Saturday's Premier League clash against Arsenal as he remains in concussion protocols, according to the club.
Analysis: Branthwaite will miss Saturday's encounter against Arsenal after being placed in concussion protocols following Everton's 2-0 defeat against Chelsea. The English center-back played in that contest, recording one shot and eight defensive contributions, including a block to deny Jordan Henderson during the first half. However, his latest setback means he will be unavailable for selection until he completes the necessary concussion assessments and receives medical clearance. Branthwaite has been a regular presence in Everton's defensive setup this season, making his absence a significant blow ahead of a difficult matchup against Arsenal, with Jake O'Brien starting in central defense for that one. His availability for upcoming fixtures will depend on his recovery and progression through the required protocols, with no definitive return date established.
Unable to prevent Chelsea defeat
Branthwaite had one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Chelsea.
Analysis: Braithwaite denied Jordan Henderson in the first half with a block but was unable to prevent Chelsea's dominance in the second. The Toffees suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season as Pedro Neto scored a brace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Nevertheless, Braithwaite did venture forward and tried to test the goalkeeper with a shot but failed to register it on target. With eight defensive contributions and only two tackles, it was a performance worth forgetting for the English center-back.
Makes starting XI
Branthwaite (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Chelsea.
Analysis: Branthwaite retains his starting role after recovering from the injury he picked up early in Everton's 2-2 draw against Hull City. The center-back has played every minute of his six Premier League appearances this season, recording 36 clearances, 11 interceptions, 11 blocks and six tackles. His availability provides an important boost to Everton's back line against Chelsea.
Dealing with undisclosed problem
Branthwaite (undisclosed) is dealing with a problem sustained during Everton's recent clash against Hull City and is a doubt for Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea, according to coach David Moyes. "Jarrad had a problem. He got it really early [against Hull]. We've been looking at that in the week."
Analysis: Branthwaite appears to have picked up an injury early in Everton's 2-2 draw against Hull City, although he managed to complete the full 90 minutes. The center-back has been a consistent presence in Everton's defense this season, starting and playing every minute of his six Premier League appearances. He has recorded 36 clearances, 11 interceptions, 11 blocks and six tackles across those contestsl. His potential absence against Chelsea would represent a significant blow to the Toffees' back line, with his availability dependent on further assessments ahead of kickoff. Michael Keane could benefit from increased playing time if he misses out.
Crucial defensively in 1-0 win
Branthwaite recorded 10 clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 1-0 win versus Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Branthwaite had a massive defensive influence as Everton would win 1-0 against Ipswich. He made 10 clearances, two interceptions and two blocks to help his side to their third clean sheet of the season. He made a crucial intervention in the final moments of the game as he stopped an Ipswich attacker just as he was about to gather the ball and shoot.
Standout defensive display in draw
Branthwaite had two shots (two on goal), four clearances, four blocks, two interceptions and one tackle during Sunday's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
Analysis: Branthwaite's defensive impact helped his side avoid defeat, though it was not enough to achieve a clean sheet in the third EPL week. Having played all possible minutes over three games, he's established as one of the team's most complete center-backs, accumulating a variety of stats while playing next to James Tarkowski in the defense.
Nine clearances in draw
Branthwaite had one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Branthwaite put one shot on target in the 10th minute off Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's corner delivery, producing Everton's best early chance of the match, while also racking up two interceptions and nine clearances to help shut down Bournemouth's threat through the middle. He went the full 90 minutes and provided a steady presence at the heart of the defense, keeping Everton's back line organized despite Bournemouth controlling much of the territory in the first half. Branthwaite and Everton have opened the Premier League season with four points from their first two matches.
Missing due to reintegration program
Branthwaite is not with his team for Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Preston North End due to a reintegration program, according to his club.
Analysis: Branthwaite is missing from the team sheet for Carabao Cup action, although it is not due to injury, as the defender is being taken care of carefully following his hamstring injury to end last campaign. He is going through a planned reintegration program that leaves him out Wednesday, but the good news is that it doesn't appear to be a concern. He will likely be an option for league play come Saturday, but may miss out on some midweek matches moving forward for the next few weeks.
Strong defensive display
Branthwaite registered two tackles (one won), four clearances and one interception in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Branthwaite registered two tackles (one won), one interception and four clearances in Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, contributing to an Everton defensive unit. The young center back has established himself as one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League and his combination of physicality and composure alongside James Tarkowski gives Everton one of the most reliable defensive partnerships in the division heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Sits out due to workload management
Branthwaite will miss Tuesday's friendly against Newcastle United as part of planned management of his return from a hamstring injury but will resume full training before Saturday's preseason finale against Lille, the club announced.
Analysis: Branthwaite has steadily worked his way back from the hamstring injury that ended his last season, captaining Everton and logging 80 minutes at Stuttgart on Saturday after earlier starts against Bolton Wanderers and Hamburg, all signs of a smooth recovery. Missing tonight's game against Newcastle United in Edinburgh reflects planned management of his return rather than a setback, and he will resume full training at Finch Farm before featuring in the final pre-season match against LOSC Lille on Saturday. The clear priority is having him at full readiness alongside James Tarkowski in the heart of defense when the Premier League season kicks off on August 22, underscoring just how central he is to Everton's backline plans.
Sat for cautionary measures
Branthwaite is not playing in Tuesday's friendly against Stoke City as a cautionary measure while following a planned reintegration into the squad, according to his club.
Analysis: Branthwaite started in a friendly for Everton on Saturday but will sit out Tuesday, as the defender is still being dealt with cautiously due to a hamstring he suffered at the end of the last season. That said, he is still training and doing well with his fitness, just not playing as they carefully deal with his health after a past of injuries. He will likely continue to appear here and there in the pre-season, set to be fit for opening day.
Starts friendly vs Bolton
Branthwaite (hamstring) is fit to be in the starting lineup for Saturday's friendly against Bolton, the club posted.
Analysis: Branthwaite's return to the starting XI is an encouraging sign after being held out of an earlier preseason friendly against Dundee as a precaution while recovering from a hamstring injury sustained toward the end of last season. His involvement confirms he has moved past that cautious approach, positioning him to build toward full match fitness as Everton continues its preseason preparations ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Not an option against Dundee
Branthwaite (hamstring) is not an option for Saturday's friendly against Dundee and remains in recovery, the club posted.
Analysis: Branthwaite has trained with the squad all week and continues to make positive progress from the hamstring injury he sustained toward the end of last season, though his continued absence from the matchday squad suggests the club is still being cautious with his integration. His path back to full match fitness will be worth monitoring closely as Everton continues its preseason preparations.
Back on training pitch
Branthwaite (hamstring) has returned to on-field training as Everton continue their preseason preparations, the club posted.
Analysis: Branthwaite was involved in ball work and shuttle-running drills with the squad, marking another positive step in his buildup to the 2026-27 campaign. The center-back appears fully integrated into training and will be expected to play a key role in Everton's defense after establishing himself as one of the club's most important players. His return to full preseason activities is an encouraging sign as the Toffees prepare for the new season.
Targeting pre-season return
Branthwaite (hamstring) is hoping to return for the start of pre-season according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Branthwaite is targeting a return to the Everton squad for the beginning of pre-season. That's about the earliest timeframe he could have hoped for so this is certainly an encouraging sign. Branthwaite would be an immediate impact player in the starting XI when he's deemed fit enough to go.
Making good progress
Branthwaite (hamstring) is making good progress in his recovery and is expected to be fit ahead of the 2026/27 season, according to coach David Moyes. "Jarrad's making good progress. He's got a progress over the summer."
Analysis: Branthwaite had been ruled out for the remainder of the season after picking up a hamstring injury, but the positive news is that the issue is unrelated to the previous hamstring problem that required surgery, making this a more straightforward recovery. The club will manage his rehabilitation carefully over the summer given his history of hamstring concerns, but the direction of travel is clearly positive and Everton are confident of having their young center-back fully available when preseason gets underway.
Out for season
Branthwaite (hamstring) will remain out for the season, according to manager David Moyes. "Jarrad will be out for the season, then we've got quite a long close-season, so there should be plenty of time to get himself fit and ready to start next season, but he won't be fit again for this season. Jarrad is much better [than he was when he was taken off on a stretcher on Sunday] because he's realised that it isn't an injury to the same area that he had the hamstring operation. It's a different spot, and it's a hamstring injury any player could get. I hope it's not [going to keep being a risk going forward]. I hope it's a wee bit of an age where it's... not growing pains because it's far from that and he's a grown man now, but he's still learning a bit more about himself and what he does."
Analysis: The positive news for Branthwaite is that this hamstring injury isn't related to the prior one in which he had surgery. However, with hamstring injuries an issue for him, they will take his return cautiously, not wanting to risk another injury and further time out after barely being available this campaign. Given that it's not as critical of an injury as first thought, he will now have his eyes on the start of the 2026/27 season.
Season over, two months out
Branthwaite is done for the season and is expected to miss around two months because of his new hamstring injury, according to Craig Hope of The Daily Mail.
Analysis: Branthwaite was feared to have suffered an injury that would end his season, and further tests have revealed this, although the two-month absence is not as bad as first thought. However, this will keep him out of any type of World Cup inclusion and leave him working to make it back for the preseason, that is, if he suffers no setbacks. This ends a brutal season for the defender in which he only played 10 times (seven starts) due to nagging injuries, earning no clean sheets while recording 11 interceptions, 13 tackles and 41 clearances. He will hope to return to better form and health next campaign, with Michael Keane now likely to take Branthwaite's spot in the defense for the final few games of the campaign.
Awaiting tests on new injury
Branthwaite suffered what could be another serious hamstring injury in Sunday's match against Liverpool, according to manager David Moyes. "I thought he played so well. I'm worried it could be serious, but we'll have to wait and see."
Analysis: It looks like another period on the sidelines for Branthwaite and this time it could keep him out the rest of the season. He's battled hamstring issues since the campaign began and suffered another one late Sunday in which he needed to be stretchered off after being clearly distraught. His injury likely means a return to the XI for Michael Keane, who has been solid after not being considered a first-choice center-back much of the last couple seasons.
Stretchered off field
Branthwaite was stretchered off the field in the 87th minute due to an apparent hamstring injury.
Analysis: Branthwaite just cannot remain fit this season, as the defender looks to have suffered another serious injury after he was stretchered off the field, appearing to have potentially suffered another hamstring injury. This comes with just 10 games played all season, missing most of the campaign due to a previous injury. If it is deemed serious at all, this will likely end his season, leaving James Tarkowski and Michael Keane to start at center-back.
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