Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Mon 16 March 2026 8:10, UK Updated Mon 16 March 2026 9:43, UK

Everton players knew on Friday that James Tarkowski wouldn’t start against Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Toffees travelled to the Emirates Stadium on 14 March, with teammates aware of the centre-back’s absence a day earlier, as issues emerged late in the planning for the game.

Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman scored late goals for the Gunners in the 2-0 victory as Jake O’Brien partnered Michael Keane in the backline.

Jarrad Branthwaite was also sidelined against Arsenal, but it may not be long before the two English defenders return to action for the Merseyside outfit.

When will James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite return from injury after Everton loss vs Arsenal?

Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas has suggested that Tarkowski and Branthwaite may be available for the Toffees against Chelsea.

David Moyes’ team put in a resolute performance against the Premier League leaders away from home, but they probably eventually felt the absence of their two quality centre-backs.

Fans in L4 will want to see the Merseyside outfit get back to winning ways immediately as they pursue European qualification.

The Scottish manager could potentially rely on the two English defenders as Liam Rosenior’s side travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 21 March.

While O’Brien and Keane rarely put a foot wrong at the Emirates Stadium, Moyes will surely be eager for Tarkowski and Branthwaite’s return.

David Moyes sees rare mistake get punished at Emirates Stadium

Jordan Pickford let Arsenal break the deadlock in the 89th minute, with the goalkeeper failing to get near the cross after coming out to save it.

The English shot-stopper has mostly been sensational for Everton this season, but made a rare mistake to hand the Gunners the three points.

Moyes will arguably be proud of the Toffees’ overall performance in North London, keeping Mikel Arteta’s team at bay for most of the game.

The Merseyside outfit should take confidence from the display to try and get the better of Chelsea at home.