Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Sat 21 March 2026 14:51, UK

Everton are hopeful that Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski will both be able to return against Chelsea on Saturday evening.

David Moyes hinted the centre-back duo could be “in and around” the squad for the showdown at Hill Dickinson Stadium, having missed out on the defeat by Arsenal.

While Moyes had been tight-lipped over the nature of Tarkowski’s injury, he could be included in the squad, having played every other Premier League match so far this season.

Branthwaite, meanwhile, was likely rested at Emirates Stadium to manage his workload after a hamstring issue saw him miss the first five months of the campaign.

The two defenders will undergo late fitness tests ahead of the Blues’ visit.

Who else will miss out for Everton?

It is not all good news for Everton, however.

Indeed, Tyrique George is ineligible to play against his parent club, having joined on loan from Chelsea in February, while Jack Grealish is continuing his rehabilitation.

Charly Alcaraz is also expected to be absent on Merseyside, having picked up an injury during a training session in late February. A confirmed return date has not yet been set.

According to reports, Everton are willing to sell Alcaraz, despite only signing him permanently last May, and his setback will do nothing to boost his chances of staying.

Otherwise, Moyes has a largely fully-fit squad to pick from. A victory for the Toffees could move them up to seventh place in the table, as they look to qualify for Europe.

Chelsea will be without as many as seven players

Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to be without five first-team players for their first-ever away trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium, with three further fitness tests to be held.

Levi Colwill, Trevor Chalobah, Filip Jorgensen, Reece James and Mykhailo Mudryk will all certainly miss out, while Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile could return after illness.

A late decision will be made on Jamie Gittens after a hamstring strain during training.

Pressure looks to be building on Rosenior after a run of three consecutive defeats, and a loss against the Toffees would move the Merseysiders to within just two points of them.