Everton have clarified Jarrad Branthwaite’s absence from their pre-season tour.
Branthwaite was a notable omission as David Moyes’ side flew out to the United States ahead of their participation in the Premier League’s Summer Series.
The Blues will face top-flight counterparts Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester United in the next nine days in New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta respectively.
But they will do so without Branthwaite, who is now confirmed to have picked up a minor injury during last weekend’s friendly defeat against Blackburn Rovers.
“Jarrad Branthwaite has not travelled to the USA with the Everton men’s squad for the Premier League Summer Series after sustaining a minor niggle in Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Blackburn Rovers,” read a club statement.
“The centre-back is undergoing rehabilitation with club medical staff at Finch Farm.”
Meanwhile Everton midfielder Jenson Metcalfe has left the club to join Bradford City.
Metcalfe rose through the ranks on Merseyside and was a regular feature in the under-21 side but spent last season on loan with League Two side Chesterfield.