David Moyes issues Jarrad Branthwaite transfer warning and confirms Everton injury setbacks

David Moyes has revealed fresh injury concerns for Everton, including the news that winger Jesper Lindstrom has undergone surgery, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Speaking ahead of the Toffees’ weekend clash with Nottingham Forest, the manager also sent a firm message to clubs eyeing defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Everton currently sit comfortably above the relegation zone, and with safety in sight, Moyes and his team are shifting focus to squad planning — both for the run-in and the summer ahead.

Lindstrom out for the season, Mykolenko returns
The injury blow to Jesper Lindstrom was the most significant update from Moyes’ pre-match press conference. The on-loan winger has recently shown glimpses of form but has now been sidelined after undergoing a hernia operation. “Jesper had a hernia operation yesterday, so that will rule him out for most of the season. That’s disappointing for him and for us — he was starting to show good form and was becoming an important player,” Moyes said. Meanwhile, Vitalii Mykolenko returns to training after missing last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, and Dwight McNeil will be part of the squad against Forest — though he’s not yet match fit to start.

Calvert-Lewin still weeks away from return
Forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is out of contract this summer, is recovering from a hamstring injury but remains several weeks from returning to training.
“Dom is out on the grass and training well, but with a hamstring issue, you can’t rush it,” Moyes explained. “We’re following all the protocols. It’ll be another three weeks before we even start talking about full training or games.” Midfielder Orel Mangala, also on loan, is expected to miss the rest of the season due to injury as well.

Branthwaite interest grows — but Moyes sends warning
Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is attracting interest from top Premier League sides ahead of the summer window. Moyes, however, made Everton’s position clear regarding the highly rated defender.
“Jarrad has a three-year contract — two years with an option — so Everton hold all the cards,” he said. “He’s not someone I want to lose.” Moyes also acknowledged that historically, Everton have had to sell key players such as Wayne Rooney, Mikel Arteta, and Joleon Lescott in order to rebuild. Still, the message was clear: Branthwaite is central to Everton’s plans.

Recruitment plans underway, but contracts on hold
With Everton now 15 points clear of the relegation zone and just seven games left, Moyes believes the club has done enough to avoid the drop — and is already looking ahead.
“We’re working on recruitment plans now. But as for player contracts, those discussions will only begin once we’re mathematically safe.” The club is also preparing for a new era off the pitch, with Moyes confirming he will visit Everton’s new stadium for the first time next week.

Since returning to Everton in 2025, David Moyes has made a steady impact on the club's form. His Premier League campaign has been marked by stability, with just 2 defeats in 12 matches. While the FA Cup exit was a setback, Moyes has guided Everton to a promising average of 1.50 points per game in the league — a stat that speaks to the side's growing resilience. Here's a closer look at his numbers so far: