Branthwaite & Hackney Updates

Jarrad Branthwaite and Hayden Hackney both sit out tonight’s Carabao Cup second round tie at Preston North End.

Branthwaite, who started Saturday’s 2-0 home victory over Crystal Palace in the opening match of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, has gone through a planned reintegration programme during the summer after sustaining a hamstring injury towards the end of last season.

Meanwhile, summer signing Hackney – who played 78 minutes against the Eagles on his Toffees debut – has a minor knock.