Everton worst fears over Branthwaite injury could be realised after downcast Moyes update

Everton are sweating over the fitness of Jarrad Branthwaite after the defender seemingly sustained yet another hamstring injury in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.

The centre-back was taken off on a stretcher after 87 minutes at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, and David Moyes admitted he was worried after the brutal setback.

Branthwaite looked to be clutching his right hamstring just weeks after returning from a lengthy lay-off. He looked visibly emotional and could now miss the rest of the campaign.

He had only made his comeback from a long-term hamstring problem in late January, having been ruled out since August, and he will be a big miss for the club.

While the full extent of Branthwaite’s injury is not yet known, Moyes will likely have to prepare to see out the season with him – a major blow in the race for Europe.

David Moyes’ Jarrad Branthwaite injury update

The 23-year-old was replaced by Michael Keane, who stood in valiantly for him earlier in the campaign alongside James Tarkowski after he underwent surgery.

But, adding insult to injury after his enforced withdrawal, Liverpool sealed all three points in the 100th minute when Virgil van Dijk headed home the winner from a corner.

Post-match, a downbeat Moyes admitted Branthwaite’s injury “doesn’t look great.”

“Jarrad was probably the best player on the pitch at times today,” said Moyes. “I thought he played so well. I’m worried it could be serious, but we’ll need to wait and see.”

Branthwaite certainly didn’t put a foot wrong in the Merseyside derby, which was only his 10th appearance of the season, and his setback will be a bitter disappointment for the club.

Everton badly need new centre-back

Moyes was expected to sign a new central defender during the summer transfer window, but Branthwaite’s latest woes will surely speed up that process.

Everton have been linked with Marcos Senesi, who will leave Bournemouth as a free agent at the end of the campaign, while Juventus’ Federico Gatti is also a target.

Whomever Moyes prioritises, he must move quickly. Keane and Tarkowski partnered well with each other during Branthwaite’s lay-off, but both aren’t getting any younger.

The Toffees badly need a youthful injection of energy in the position. While Jake O’Brien is best in the middle, supporters would welcome more strength in depth.

Qualifying for Europe would certainly strengthen Everton’s hand in the market, but it is cruel that losing Branthwaite to injury has now made that task even harder.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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