Overview
- Everton said Branthwaite hurt his hamstring late in Sunday’s Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool and is unlikely to play again this season.
- Club scans found no need for surgery, with a rehabilitation program now set at Finch Farm that leaves his June World Cup hopes in doubt.
- Everton plan to cover at centre-back with James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, with Jake O’Brien seen as an option in the middle, according to Football Insider.
- The summer recruitment focus now includes a starting right-back, and a tight budget could push the club toward loan-to-buy deals, Football Insider reported.
- A sports physiotherapist told BBC Sport that repeat hamstring issues are worrying but can improve with targeted strength work and checks on running mechanics over the off-season.