James Tarkowski News: Fit and raring to go

Tarkowski was in the starting XI for Sunday's pre-season friendly against Manchester United, looking fit and raring to go, coach David Moyes said in a press conference. "I think he's fit and he's raring to go. He's been training really, really well. He's healed incredibly well, but when the doctors give you a certain time that you've got to keep him out for, we have to abide by that as much as we can."

Tarkowski was expected to miss the first two games of the season with the Toffees but returned from his hamstring injury ahead of schedule, featuring for 20 minutes against West Ham United and playing an hour against Manchester United in pre-season friendlies. This is good news for Everton, as he is an undisputed starter in central defense when fit and appears ready to start the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.