Everton are hoping to get back centre-back James Tarkowski into the squad after he missed the Carabao clash against Southampton in midweek.
Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas shared on X on 17 September that the 31-year-old centre-back didn’t feature in the midweek game due to a back injury.
However, Sean Dyche is hopeful that Tarkowski could be fit again to play this weekend against Leicester City in the Premier League.
Jake O’Brien replaced him in defence against the Saints, as Everton were eliminated from the competition after they lost in the penalty shoot-out.
Thomas wrote: “James Tarkowski missed tonight with a back concern. Sean Dyche is hopeful he will be back for Leicester City on Saturday.”
Everton need to avoid another defeat
The Toffees boss is under real pressure after the club failed to win a single Premier League game so far.
Despite taking a healthy two-goal lead, they lost against AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa respectively in both games, and the confidence in the side has hit rock bottom, just like their league position at the moment.
Everton cannot afford to suffer another defeat on Saturday (21 September), and they have to get something against Leicester.
The defence has been their major problematic area, and Dyche’s side has conceded 13 goals already this season.
Michael Keane has failed to provide assurance at the back, and he has been making costly errors. If Tarkowski returns to the side, Dyche must drop him to the bench.
What has been really worrying is that Tarkowski himself hasn’t had a great season so far, but he is someone who can be trusted.
Jarrad Branthwaite is still nursing his injuries, and he is unlikely to return this week. In such a scenario, the return of Tarkowski will be a massive boost for Dyche.
In other Everton news, the Toffees boss has made an admission on “nemesis” that is hurting his side.
