Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Sat 26 April 2025 10:18, UK

James Tarkowski has taken to social media after Everton were rocked by the news of a season-ending injury at Goodison Park.

David Moyes‘ side are well clear of the relegation zone with five matches of the league campaign remaining, next heading into a clash against Chelsea on Saturday, 26 April.

However, they will have to do so without veteran centre-back Tarkowski, who limped off in the recent 2-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola‘s Man City in the previous gameweek, being replaced by Michael Keane.

The manager has now confirmed that Tarkowski will miss the rest of the season due to the hamstring injury he sustained against the Citizens.

This leaves the manager with an important decision to make, whether Keane starts or Jake O’Brien moves into the centre of defence, giving Nathan Patterson a chance to revive his career as a Toffee.

Either way, Moyes’ return to Merseyside has been built on rock-solid defending and getting the out-of-form players firing on all cylinders, such as Beto, who has eight goals across all competitions for Everton.

James Tarkowski hands Everton a mighty end-of-season blow

Ahead of the Chelsea clash, Tarkowski took to Instagram (25 April), writing: “See you all at Bramley Moore,” overlaying an image of himself trudging off the pitch against Man City.

David Moyes and The Friedkin Group to turn attention to summer transfer window

Football Insider verdict

Tarkowski’s injury has brought an end to the defender’s streak of 111 consecutive Premier League starts, though it has not come at a costly time for the Toffees, who can begin preparing for next season.

With the team now 17 points clear of the dropzone, and just five matches left to play, Moyes’ side can play football without the fear of relegation snapping at their heels.

This may be a cause for concern for some players, though, given the number of exit links now that The Friedkin Group (TFG) have taken charge following Farhad Moshiri‘s torrid reign.

Everton have already been warned against handing Dominic Calvert-Lewin a new deal, with Jarrad Branthwaite, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom possibly all coming to an end on Merseyside.

There are very exciting times ahead for the club and its passionate fanbase, but it could also be quite a difficult time for the underwhelming players that TFG could part ways with this summer.