Anthony Onifade

Fri 11 August 2023 16:10, UK

Everton defender James Tarkowski has been passed fit to feature in their Premier League opener against Fulham on Saturday (12 August), according to BBC Sport.

According to the report (11 August), the former Burnley centre-back has been passed fit after recovering from a minor issue which he picked up in a friendly against Sporting where he hobbled off the pitch with the club physio (Joe Thomas, 5 August).

In a press conference ahead of the game (10 August), manager Sean Dyche admitted that Everton were being cautious over Tarkowski’s availability, but according to BBC Sport (11 August), the Goodison Park favourite is now in line to feature following a fitness test.

Crucial boost

A lot of the Everton faithful would have certainly known the grave concerns ringing through Dyche’s mind when Tarkowski picked up that injury against Sporting a week ago.

No club wants to see any of their key stars hobble off with a worrying knock or injury just days before the campaign kicks off, and in Tarkowski, the former Burnley defender is more than key but a pivotal and crucial character in the Everton dressing room.

If the Toffees are to improve on last season’s dreadful performances and get their campaign off to the best possible start, then Tarkowski’s availability is a huge factor in achieving those goals.

The 30-year-old was absolutely superb last season, despite Everton’s flirting with relegation and was actually the key reason why the Toffees held one of the best defences in the league at some point last season.

Whatever plans or ambitions Dyche has during the new campaign, Everton simply have to keep Tarkowski fit, firing and happy because he is arguably their most crucial player right now, because the Blues find themselves desperately short on quality at the back after the departures of Yerry Mina and Conor Coady.

In other Everton news, a Championship club have sanctioned a loan exit for one “incredible” attacker, and Everton have opened talks to sign him.