Everton’s Premier League campaign has been halted with the Toffees seeing their season paused for the latest international break.
Sean Dyche will be pleased to see his side finally bringing in some points with all five of their points on the board coming in their last three games.
This has come at a time when Dyche was coming under serious pressure from sections of the Everton fanbase.
However, Farhad Moshiri had placed his faith in Dyche to turn things around at Everton despite their dreadful start to the 2024/25 campaign.
There is still a long way to go in the season with the Toffees sitting just two points above the relegation zone.
Although Everton’s recent good form has been disrupted, the international break can offer some players the chance to recover from the opening two months of the term.
James Tarkowski shares injury update
One player who has been a constant in the Everton side this season has been vice-captain James Tarkowski who has played every minute of league action.
The centre-back has taken on the captain’s armband in the absence of Seamus Coleman who has been sidelined through injury.
But it seems as if Tarkowski has been struggling himself with his own fitness issues after some concerns during pre-season.
Speaking to the Everton website, the £100k-per-week Tarkowski has revealed he has actually been playing through an injury so far this term.
“It was a frustrating one in pre-season. It was the first Gaffer’s Day I’ve missed since I’ve known him – that’s how unusual it was for me,” he said.
“It’s been about managing load between games to get back up to full speed for me, which is difficult because I’m someone who likes to be out on the grass all of the time and I really don’t like missing training sessions, so I’ve had to accept that slower pace than I like.
“I’ve not been playing in absolute agony, it’s just hindered my fitness levels a little bit and not being able to train all the time and be on the grass all the time doesn’t help when it comes to a weekend. It’s not ideal but some players have probably done it for a number of years over their careers because they have to manage injuries. I’ve never been through it before and it’s the first time I’ve had to do it.
“Ultimately, I’ll do whatever I can to be on the pitch, so that’s what I’ve done and I’m getting there now. I’m feeling better all of the time and I’ve been training more than I was in the first few weeks of the season.”
Everton’s defence has been an issue this season
After what was an impressive showing from the Everton backline last season, this time around has not been anywhere near as positive.
The Toffees have been able to reign things in a little over the last three games with just two goals conceded, though.
But Everton do still hold the second-worst record in the league with 15 goals conceded through the opening seven games.
Tarkowski has been a key figure in that Everton backline but summer signing Jake O’Brien has not with minutes being handed out sparingly.
Now Jarrad Branthwaite has returned to the starting XI, there will be hope this Everton side can turn things around and tighten up their backline.
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