Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite injured a hamstring in training, could be out until the end of September | OneFootball

Everton fears Jarrad Branthwaite could be out until the end of September after the centre-back sustained a hamstring injury during routine sprinting drills, according to the Daily Mail.

The Everton star recently returned to action after limping off in the last game at Goodison Park against Southampton in May following an injury to the hamstring in his right thigh.

Branthwaite has injured the same thigh after aggravating it and Toffees manager David Moyes will be unable to have him available for selection for the opening games of 2025-26.

Everton could now be forced to make a move for another centre-back after the blow to the 23-year-old.

They have James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien and Michael Keane as options in the position but could do with one or two more centre-backs given their need for quality squad depth this season.

Losing Branthwaite at the very start of a new campaign is the last thing Everton would have wanted as they prepare for life at their new home ground – Hill Dickinson Stadium.

They warded off suitors and convinced the England international to sign a contract extension earlier in the summer, and he will be gutted to be missing the beginning of the 2025-26 season.

He needs to be playing regularly this season to boost his chances of going to the World Cup with the Three Lions next year, but he is already out of the team for the September international break.

The October break could also come too soon for the Everton star depending on when he returns to action and his fitness levels afterwards.

They begin the new Premier League season with a trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds United next Monday before their first home game against Brighton & Hove Albion the following Sunday.

Everton have signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz, Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Adam Aznou so far this summer, recruiting the services of Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish on loan, and more additions are expected.