Branthwaite to miss rest of season with hamstring injury

Branthwaite to miss rest of season with hamstring injuryImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, David Moyes said Jarrad Branthwaite was "probably the best player on the pitch" before his injury late on in the Merseyside derbyByLorraine McKennaBBC Sport JournalistPublished6 minutes agoCommentsEverton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a hamstring injury in Sunday's Merseyside derby defeat.The centre-half was in tears as he left the pitch on a stretcher in the 87th minute of Everton's 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium. After the match, the 23-year-old was seen leaving on crutches and Everton boss David Moyes said he was concerned the injury "could be serious". Branthwaite missed the first five months of the season - having hamstring surgery in October - and returned to the side in January.However, his latest injury is unrelated and a scan shows he does not require an operation, Everton said.He will now start his rehabilitation at the Toffees' Finch Farm training ground with the medical team, the club added, external. The injury is a blow to Branthwaite's World Cup hopes, as England's tournament starts on 17 June against Croatia in the United States. He made his senior debut in a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina two years ago but missed out on the Three Lions' 26-man squad for Euro 2024. Everton are currently 10th in the league and in the hunt for European qualification - just three points behind sixth-placed Brighton.Related topicsPremier LeagueEvertonFootballMore on this storyLatest Everton news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Everton - what do you want to know?