James Tarkowski injury update ahead of Everton vs Chelsea

David Moyes is hopeful that James Tarkowski can return to the Everton side for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Tarkowski had played every league match for Everton this season before missing last weekend’s 2-0 away defeat to Arsenal.

Moyes gave little away about the nature of Tarkowski’s injury last weekend, but has now confirmed that the 33-year-old, along with fellow centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite should be fit for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday.

‘Both hopefully will be in and around the squad tomorrow,’ Moyes said in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

‘We done great without them so if we didn’t have them thn it would be fine but we’ve got them back amongst it I think.’

Elsewhere, Tyrique George is ineligible to play against his parent club, while this weekend’s game could come too soon for Charly Alcaraz. Jack Grealish remains sidelined with a longer-term injury.

Opponents Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill, Trevor Chalobah, Filip Jorgensen and Reece James through injury.

Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile could return following their respective illness, while Jamie Gittens faces a late fitness check after a hamstring injury.

Everton currently sit eighth in the table and could move within two points of sixth-place Chelsea with a win on Saturday.

Key to any potential win could be central midfielder James Garner, who was rewarded with his first England call-up by Thomas Tuchel on Friday.

‘Thrilled for Jimmy,’ Moyes said of the news. ‘He’s played well enough to be selected; he’s been very good all season.

‘I think he’s just matured a lot more and gained a lot of confidence. I don’t think it was ever in doubt that he was always a good player, but to step up to the level required to be an international player, you have to really show good things.

‘Probably more important for him is the level of competition to be a central midfielder for England is so high so great for him and for Everton Football Club as well.’

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