Everton have confirmed James Garner has undergone successful groin surgery.
Having missed the first pre-season friendly last weekend against Dundee, Garner was absent again from David Moyes’ starting XI to face Bolton Wanderers.
The midfielder enjoyed a brilliant 2025/26 season for Everton, but it seems to have come at a cost.
It has been suggested by the club’s official statement that Garner may not be ready in time for the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace.
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However, there is optimism surrounding his recovery, but this is certainly not the news that fans would have been wishing to start the pre-season programme with.
“The Blues midfielder has begun his rehabilitation at Finch Farm and is progressing as expected, with a return to first-team training being targeted around the opening week of the Premier League season, subject to his continued recovery,” read the statement.
Everton signed Hayden Hackney earlier this summer, but he has also missed the opening two games of pre-season.
Moyes has a number of options available in that position, yet losing Garner is a significant blow.
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