Branthwaite set to miss start of new campaign

EVERTON'S Jarrad Branthwaite is set to miss the start of the season due to a hamstring injury, just days before Everton's Premier League opener at Leeds United.

- By MATT C JONES

The 23-year-old centre-back was forced to leave training after injuring his right hamstring, the same area he damaged in Everton's final match at Goodison Park against Southampton in May.

Branthwaite could be out until the end of September.

This would cause him to miss the first six games of the Premier League season, including a Merseyside derby at Anfield, as well as Everton's Carabao Cup second round tie against Mansfield Town at home.

Branthwaite, who earned his only England cap last year, is also likely to be ruled out of contention for Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad next month, when they face Andorra and Serbia in World Cup qualifiers.