Jarrad Branthwaite has returned to light training with Everton. The centre back, who is yet to have kicked a ball for the first team this season, is working toward the final stages of his comeback from a serious hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old’s problems started on the eve of the Premier League season and were intensified in November, when a setback led to him undergoing surgery.

Now, the defender is making strides toward his return and footage released by Everton today (January 13) shows him stepping out for ‘light training’ at the club’s Finch Farm training ground.

Branthwaite's return cannot come soon enough for David Moyes and the Blues. One of the club’s most prized players, his future was secured with a new long-term contract in the summer - a deal hailed as one of the most significant in a close season of rebuilding at Everton.

But disaster struck in the aftermath of the game with Roma, Everton’s final pre-season friendly and the...