Everton “hopeful” of having Tarkowski and Branthwaite back for Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Everton head coach David Moyes is “hopeful” of having his centre-backs James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite “in and around the squad” for the home fixture against Chelsea this Saturday.

Both Tarkowski and Branthwaite missed the clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Moyes has been rather tight-lipped about the nature of their setbacks and it remains to be seen whether they get any minutes on the pitch at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees will also be ineligible to field Tyrique George against his parent club while Jack Grealish has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his foot.

Carlos Alcaraz has missed each of the last four games for Everton and is expected to be absent from the squad on Saturday as well.

Asked about Tarkowski and Branthwaite in Friday's pre-match press conference, Moyes said: "Both hopefully will be in and around the squad tomorrow.

"We did great without them, so, if we didn't have them, I'd be fine – but we've got them back amongst it, I think."

Chelsea are also missing several players and will be without Levi Colwill, Trevor Chalobah, Filip Jorgensen, Reece James and Mykhailo Mudryk for their trip to Merseyside. Jamie Gittens also faces a late fitness check.

//

Reader Comments (6)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

Ian Wilkins 2 Posted 20/03/2026 at 17:08:52

In and around the squad means both not available tomorrow.

Neil Lawson 3 Posted 20/03/2026 at 17:20:58

" In and around the squad". I suppose, therefore, that sitting in the stand qualifies.

Our new potential international midfielder to continue at full back. Just wish we could sign a new striker called Tommy Cynicism and play him on the wing.

This guy Moyes is like Asbestos he can't be touched sad really.

He said about Jared and Tarky that we did well without them ok Moyes losing 2 nil is not very good I'm affraid David.

Thats why he is a mid table manager please go away from our club.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.