Everton dealt injury setback as James Tarkowski limps out of Manchester City clash

Everton have been dealt a major injury blow after James Tarkowski was forced off in the second half of their Premier League fixture against Manchester City.

Toffees captain Tarkowski has been an ever-present since joining the club from Burnley in June 2022 and had played in all but eight minutes of Everton's 2024/25 campaign prior to the meeting with Man City.

The defender pulled up early in the second half signalling a hamstring issue before limping off the pitch.

With five matches of the season remaining, Tarkowski is now a doubt to feature again this term.

The 32-year-old, who etched his name into Everton folklore in February when he netted a last-gasp volley against rivals Liverpool, has started 111 consecutive games for Everton and is only three shy of breaking the Premier League's outfield record set by Wayne Bridge.

Everton eventually succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park as goals from Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovavic handed Pep Guardiola's side a vital victory in their quest to secure UEFA Champions League football.

The result is only Moyes' third defeat since returning to Merseyside in January but extends his winless run against Manchester City to 16 matches.

Everton's best chance coincidentally fell the way of Tarkowski in the first half, with the defender rising highest to James Garner's corner before directing his header against the post.

Michael Keane was substituted on to replace Tarkowski but endured an afternoon to forget.

There may be temptation for Moyes to reshuffle his back four when Everton travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea next week as versatile defender Jake O'Brien is capable of deputising at centre-back and partnering Jarrad Branthwaite.

Relocating O'Brien could result in a recall for Nathan Patterson at right-back, who has sat the previous two matches on the bench.

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