Everton ease concerns over star man’s absence in Newcastle friendly

Everton have confirmed Jarrad Branthwaite missed Wednesday evening’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle United as part of a planned reintegration programme following his hamstring injury.

The centre-back was left out of Everton’s matchday squad for the 3-1 victory over Newcastle in Edinburgh, having featured regularly during the club’s preparations for the new season.

Branthwaite captained the Toffees and played 80 minutes during Saturday’s friendly against Stuttgart, while he also started against Bolton Wanderers and Hamburg earlier in the summer.

Everton confirmed his absence against Newcastle was part of his carefully managed return to full fitness rather than a fresh injury concern.

“Jarrad Branthwaite is not part of Everton’s matchday squad for this evening’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Edinburgh as part of his planned reintegration programme following the hamstring injury he sustained towards the end of last season,” the club said.

The 23-year-old will return to full training at Finch Farm on Wednesday as Everton continue their preparations for the new Premier League campaign.

Branthwaite is then expected to feature in Everton’s final pre-season fixture against French side Lille at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.