Sky presenter shares what Tarkowski’s told him about Everton injury return
James Tarkowski was a guest pundit on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football earlier this week as the Everton defender recovers from an injury.
As the final games of the Premier League season approach, David Moyes is missing one of his star players in Tarkowski.
The England international has rarely missed a game since he joined Everton, but suffered a hamstring injury against Man City last month.
Tarkowski has since needed surgery and will miss Everton’s last game at Goodison Park in the coming weeks.
Now, a potential return date for the defender has been set after his recent interview with Sky Sports.
Tarkowski set to return from injury next season
In recent weeks, it has become apparent that Everton needs Tarkowski back from injury.
The Toffees fumbled a two-goal lead against Ipswich on the weekend, which may have been avoided if the defender had been on the pitch.
While it has become clear that the England international would not be back on the pitch this season, there were concerns about how long he would be on the sidelines.
| James Tarkowski stats at Everton | |
| Appearances | 119 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Yellow cards | 24 |
| Red cards | 0 |
In his appearance on Sky Sports, Tarkowski appeared with a leg brace on as it was explained when he is expected to return.
He told Sky Sports (5 May): “A week on Tuesday (my leg brace comes off), so not long to go. I’m looking forward to it, it looks a lot more drastic than it is.
“It slightly restricts my movement, but it is not too bad.”
Dave Jones then added: “As James has been telling us, he hopes to be back in action in pre-season and hopefully, kicking off in the new stadium with Everton as well.”
Tarkowski’s absence has exposed Everton’s backline
Since the defender has been out, Everton has looked nervous at the back.
In the last two matches, Moyes’ side have been poor defensively, and haven’t controlled matches.
Everton’s defending was particularly criticised against Chelsea as they lost 1-0.
Therefore, it is clear that the Toffees will need reinforcements in defence this summer to ensure that it is covered for injuries.
In another year, Tarkowski’s injury could have proved costly for the Merseyside club, and Everton must make sure that such a scenario never occurs.
Thankfully, the summer transfer window is just around the corner, and Moyes should then rectify the situation with incomings.