Everton could miss James Tarkowski for the start of the 2025-26 campaign following a devastating hamstring injury to the centre-back, according to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider.
Tarkoswki had already been ruled out for the rest of the current campaign as well as the Blues’ pre-season preparations but his absence could be longer. The 32-year-old was forced off the pitch in the 2-0 loss at home to Manchester City on April 19.
Tarkowski will undergo surgery and his recovery and rehabilitation could extend into the new season.
He had been ever-present as captain following David Moyes’ return and Tarkowski hadn’t missed a league game since joining Everton in July 2022. His injury means he falls two games short of equalling Wayne Bridge’s Premier League record of 113 consecutive starts for an outfield player.
Moyes described losing the senior defender for the current season as a “big blow”. “Tarky plays such a huge part in how we’ve done so well in this period,” he added.
Tarkowski scored the famous last-gasp equaliser against Liverpool in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. He was replaced by Jake O’Brien at the heart of the defence against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge while Nathan Patterson was deployed at right-back.
While Everton had already planned on acquiring a centre-back in the upcoming transfer market, Football Insider sources report that those plans are only likely to be accelerated.