Branthwaite, 23, has not featured for Everton yet this season after sustaining a hamstring injury on the eve of the 2025/26 campaign.
What was initially a concern for David Moyes and Toffees fans, could now become something altogether more costly, after it was reported by the club on Monday that the young defender has suffered a setback in his recovery.
Branthwaite returned to light training this month but a decision has now been taken to undergo surgery on the affected leg, which will keep him out for an extended period.
Jarrad Branthwaite suffers injury setback in huge blow to Everton
Depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of the surgical procedure, Branthwaite could be sidelined for a number of months.
Typically, athletes undergoing major surgery on that part of the body will spend up to six weeks with the aid of crutches, to limit the load-bearing effect on the recovering muscle tissue. Only then, are they able to make a return to more rigorous activity in a gradual, carefully-managed manner.
Back in August, it was reported the hamstring issue Branthwaite had suffered was a recurrence of a previous injury, which perhaps explains why the decision has been made to undergo surgery this time around, rather than relying on a more conservative healing method.
Branthwaite is valued at 50 million (�43.4m) by Transfermarkt, and has previously been courted by the likes of Manchester United.
The defender's recovery timeline is likely to affect his transfer value given a lack of availability and the expectation that it will be some time before Branthwaite is back to his best level, once eventually returning to the pitch.
A club statement confirming the news read: "Everton Football Club can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite has experienced a complication in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
"Following specialist consultation, it has been determined the defender will undergo a surgical procedure tomorrow to address the issue.
"Branthwaite will commence a structured rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the Clubs medical team following the operation."
In FourFourTwo's view, Branthwaite is a future England centre-half and news of his injury setback is a significant one for Everton fans. For those of a Man United persuasion, though, it could mean the club land their long-term target at a price lower than they would have been expected to pay had he started the season in the kind of form he's managed over the past couple of seasons.
