Everton Star Declares Full Fitness After Months of Injury Struggles

Sean Dyche has frequently cited injuries as a reason for Everton’s setbacks, and while this is partly valid, he still has most of his preferred starting XI available.

Several players, including James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, and Seamus Coleman, are working their way back from injuries, and Armando Broja has recently resumed first-team training.

Everton’s bench last game notably included two goalkeepers, Harrison Armstrong and Callum Bates, highlighting how injuries have constrained Dyche’s options.

However, amidst these challenges, one player has provided positive news.

James Tarkowski, Everton’s reliable presence this season, has started and finished every match.

Though consistent, he disclosed that he’s been dealing with persistent minor injuries that have made it difficult to perform at his best. Fortunately, these issues haven’t worsened with increased playtime.

This situation raises questions about the role of Jake O’Brien, who was signed as a backup but hasn’t been called upon, even when Tarkowski was struggling with fitness.

In an interview on Everton’s website, Tarkowski reassured fans by announcing he’s now injury-free and fully committed to delivering top performances. He shared, “I’m back to the way I want to be now.

It’s taken some time—a frustrating period for the first few months. Playing with niggles and not being at full fitness isn’t easy, but it’s part of the game, and many players go through it.

I’m feeling back to the level I want to be and aim to maintain that.”

Everton’s center-back decisions this season have sometimes been perplexing.

For example, Michael Keane was retained during a challenging period following the Bournemouth defeat, yet he was benched against West Ham despite a decent showing against Southampton.

Simultaneously, Tarkowski was allowed to play through his minor injuries, while O’Brien remained unused.

Further adding to the puzzle, Jarrad Branthwaite, who was unexpectedly left out of some line-ups, demonstrated his value with a strong performance against West Ham when finally given a chance.

These decisions have left fans questioning Dyche’s selection strategy, particularly given the apparent readiness of certain players and the choice to field others who were not at peak fitness.

As Everton continues its season, the balance between prioritizing player health and fielding the strongest possible lineup remains a key focus.