Sean Dyche confirms why James Tarkowski missed Everton’s friendly vs Sligo Rovers

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Everton opened their pre-season efforts with a 3-3 draw on the road to Irish side Sligo Rovers on Friday evening.

Sean Dyche‘s men were put through their paces by Rovers who found themselves 3-1 in front inside the second half.

However, Youssef Chermiti netted a brace to draw the Toffees level with Everton now set to return to Finch Farm.

However, there was one noteworthy absentee from the Everton squad to face the Irish outfit and that was James Tarkowski.

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Why James Tarkowski did not play vs Sligo Rovers

Tarkowski did travel with the squad to Ireland ahead of the game on Friday night but did not make the squad.

The centre-back has been one of the mainstays in Dyche’s tenure at Goodison Park having racked up 62 appearances across all competitions.

The pair have a strong bond with Dyche having managed Tarkowski during their time together at Burnley.

But the Everton boss had his arm forced when picking the team on Friday with Tarkwoski missing through an injury issue.

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Speaking after the game, Dyche addressed the 31-year-old’s absence as the club marked Seamus Colemen’s return to Sligo.

“Got a minor niggle. Got to be careful. We’ve got a few niggles and we’ve got to monitor their workloads. We’re hopeful with Tarky,” Dyche told the Liverpool Echo.

Given it is just the first friendly of the summer, it was definitely the right decision for Dyche not to risk Tarkowski and potentially cause further damage.

Sean Dyche provides Everton injury update

It was not just Tarkowski who was missing from the game on Friday evening with a number of the first team squad also absent.

But Dyche was quick to address the issues the squad are carrying as they now look to prepare for their next friendly against Salford City.

 “Jarrad (Branthwaite), Patto (Nathan Patterson) and Dele (Alli) are also making progress,” Dyche added.

Pre-season is not the time to take risks with the starting XI when it comes to injury concerns and Dyche is certainly not looking to take any in these opening summer friendlies.