Jarrad Branthwaite's campaign is effectively over after the Everton defender suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday's 2-1 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The 23-year-old centre-back was withdrawn on a stretcher in the 87' of the match, visibly distressed as he left the pitch. He was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, prompting Everton manager David Moyes to express concern that the injury "could be serious."

Everton have since confirmed that scans revealed no requirement for surgery, and Branthwaite will begin his rehabilitation at the club's Finch Farm training ground. Despite that relative relief, the club indicated he is unlikely to feature again this season.

A second hamstring setback

The timing is particularly painful for Branthwaite, who only returned to action in January after missing the first five months of the season following hamstring surgery in October. Everton stressed, however, that this latest injury is unrelated to that previous procedure.

World Cup hopes under a cloud

The setback also casts a shadow over Branthwaite's prospects of representing England at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament kicks off on 17 June, when the Three Lions face Croatia in the United States — leaving Branthwaite with a tight window to recover and prove his fitness to the national team selectors.

The centre-back made his senior England debut in a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina two years ago but was omitted from the 26-man squad for Euro 2024. Another missed tournament would be a significant blow to his international ambitions.

Everton's European push

Beyond the personal implications, Everton will feel Branthwaite's absence acutely as they chase European qualification. The Toffees currently sit 10th in the league, three points behind sixth-placed Brighton, meaning every fixture from here carries considerable weight.