Everton have launched an internal investigation to discover the source who allowed sensitive information about Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness to become public knowledge.
Branthwaite, the promising young defender whom David Moyes hopes will one day become an England regular, damaged his hamstring on Wednesday and is out of Monday’s Premier League opener at Leeds United.
Moyes will not elaborate on the length of time Branthwaite will be out but it is understood the injury is in a similar area of his right hamstring, which he first aggravated during the final game of last season against Southampton.
He will potentially be out of action until the end of September and it is a significant blow for Moyes. What Everton’s manager was just as perturbed about, though, was the fact the incident and the details were put into the public domain so quickly.
Club officials were furious about the leak and Moyes confirmed that actions will be taken to determine who has been working against his squad and the consequences will be severe.
‘Jarrad picked up an injury in training and unfortunately we are going to miss him,’ said Moyes. ‘These things happen. I don’t know how long he is going to be out though I wouldn’t give it anyway.
Jarrad Branthwaite picked up an injury this week which will keep him out of Everton’s first league game against Leeds United on Monday
The information was however leaked to the press before the club announced it
Manager David Moyes has now vowed to identify the in-house source who leaked the injury news
‘I’m sure the ‘insider’ within the club will give it out. I’m sure of that. We are going to find out who has given the news out. I’m unhappy with it. All managers would be the same.
‘It is certainly coming from within our building and it is up to us to find out who it is – and we will do.’
It was the only blight on a week in which Moyes has welcomed Jack Grealish into his squad, having signed the England international on a season long-loan from Manchester City. He will be in his thoughts to make a debut at Elland Road.
‘He looks the same,’ Moyes said with a smile. ‘Big calves! Will he get his debut on Monday? You’ll have to turn up and find out. I’ve seen him for a few days here and he’s looked fabulous. He’s in good shape. There’s lots of good things to like about Jack.’
