Jarrad Branthwaite has set his sights on a “positive” 2026-27 season after making his first appearance of pre-season in Everton’s goalless draw at Bolton on Saturday.
The centre-back played the opening 45 minutes at the Toughsheet Community Stadium — his first minutes since being stretchered off during April’s Merseyside derby defeat, an injury that ended a difficult 2025-26 campaign limited by recurring hamstring problems.
Branthwaite, who missed Everton’s opening pre-season friendly against Dundee as a precaution, said his recovery this time has felt different. “It’s just about managing the way through pre-season, not pushing myself too hard,” he said, adding that getting minutes in when he feels good is the priority.
The 24-year-old has targeted full fitness for the opening weekend of the season, with Everton hosting Crystal Palace on 22 August. He’s due more minutes when Everton travel to Stoke on Tuesday, continuing the club’s pre-season programme.
His return will be a welcome sight for David Moyes, with Everton having fought off previous interest in Branthwaite from elsewhere and tied him to a new contract last year. A settled campaign from the Cumbrian would go some way to strengthening the backline after a stop-start year hampered by fitness issues.
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