Repetitive hamstring issues 'far from ideal' for Branthwaite

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After the news that Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a hamstring injury in last weekend's Merseyside derby defeat, BBC Sport has spoken to sports physiotherapist Ben Warburton to discuss what the recovery process will look like.

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 have confirmed.

"It's far from ideal that Branthwaite is getting repetitive hamstring issues and there is a slight cause for concern," Warburton explained.

"However, I've dealt with sports players myself where they have an inconsistent couple of seasons with either a repetitive hamstring or calf injury, then after extensive rehab and thorough investigations they have come out the other side.

"I'm sure he'll now have time on his side over the off-season and pre-season to get his hamstring as robust as possible.

"I am sure they will be looking to restore any strength deficits as well as 'rate of force development' deficits (how quickly you can contract a muscle).

"However, it's not all about strength or how quickly you can activate. They will be looking at his acceleration and running gait to check his biomechanics, as well as keeping his acceleration and high speed/sprint metres consistent week-to-week in order to avoid any potential increase in training and running demands.

"I have heard Everton have very good physios so I'm sure they're doing all they can."