James Tarkowski injury update emerges at Everton as training camp exit explained

James Tarkowski's injury sustained before the 3-3 draw between Everton and Sligo Rovers is only "minor", Sean Dyche has confirmed.

The centre-back travelled home early from the Toffees' training camp with a glute injury and the club are hopeful the situation is only minor at this stage.

Tarkowski was not involved during the thrilling draw with Sligo as Youssef Chermiti scored two late goals in quick succession to avoid defeat at The Sean Fallon Centre on Friday 19 July.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo [19 July], Dyche said: “At this stage, it is a minor situation. We are hopeful on that, and he seems okay with that.

“It is a precautionary thing. We have got a couple of others who we are just monitoring and they have come through it okay."

James Tarkowski concerns eased after Everton draw

It is a smart move from all concerned as being without Tarkowski for the start of the 2024/25 campaign would be a blow for the Toffees, especially with Jarrad Branthwaite continuing to be linked with a summer exit [James Ducker].

The 32-year-old formed an important partnership with the younger, backed up by Jordan Pickford in between the sticks, as they kept an impressive 13 Premier League clean sheets last term.

He also played every single league match, 38 out of 38, chipping in with a goal and an assist and helping the Toffees to survive the threat of relegation.

Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool conceded fewer goals than Dyche's side, a stat that would have seen them shoot up near the top half of the table without the points deductions.

Concerns could be eased slightly further by Mason Holgate's involvement against Sligo, having scored the Toffees first goal of the match before Chermiti's late outburst.

Branthwaite should hopefully be ready to rejoin the squad soon, which will make Everton's pre-season much easier, should Tarkowski need time to recover ahead of the new season.

In other Everton news, Ashley Young sent a thank you message following a quit decision.

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