Everton have confirmed that defender Jarrad Branthwaite will undergo surgery. The surgery will resolve a complication in his recovery from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old England international, who has been out since August. He was set to return soon before medical staff identified the issue. The procedure is scheduled for Tuesday, the club announced. “Following specialist consultation, it has been determined the defender will undergo a surgical procedure tomorrow to address the issue,” Everton said in a statement. Branthwaite, who signed a new contract in July keeping him at Goodison Park until 2030. He will begin a structured rehabilitation programme after the operation under the supervision of the club’s medical team.

Nuno Espírito Santo conceded that “we have a problem” after West Ham United’s miserable start to the Premier League season. They lost 2-0 at home to Brentford on Monday night. Goals from Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen earned the visitors their first away win of the season, while West Ham’s display drew boos from those fans who remained inside the London Stadium. Nuno’s first home game in charge was overshadowed by a boycott from supporters’ groups protesting against the club’s board. The loss means the Hammers have now lost all four home matches to begin a league campaign. “Not good enough. Poor,” Nuno admitted after the match. “Fairly, Brentford won the game, they were the better team. “I think we are all concerned. You can see our own fans are concerned. Concern becomes anxiety, becomes silence. We have a problem.” The defeat leaves West Ham 19th in the table, ahead of only bottom-placed Wolves on goal difference. It came just hours after former boss Graham Potter, sacked last month, was announced as the new manager of Sweden.

Liverpool’s title defence is unraveling fast, with manager Arne Slot under pressure to halt a worrying slump. Liverpool lost 2-1 at home to Manchester United on Sunday. It is their fourth straight loss in all competitions. It marked United’s first win at Anfield since 2016 and Liverpool’s worst run since 2014 under Brendan Rodgers. After a strong start, seven straight wins, Slot’s side have seen performances deteriorate sharply. The champions now look short on confidence, control, and cutting edge. Slot admitted he is searching for solutions as injuries, fatigue, and defensive lapses continue to pile up.