James Garner has been ruled out of Everton's pre-season opener against Dundee due to a groin problem, the club confirmed. The midfielder is one of four first-team players unavailable for David Moyes' first matchday squad of the summer.
Garner's Groin Issue
Everton stated that Garner “experienced discomfort in his groin” following the return to training in Scotland this week. The 25-year-old will be assessed next week. He is the only injury concern so far, having emerged as one of the Blues' standout performers last season.
Branthwaite's Hamstring Recovery
Jarrad Branthwaite is continuing to make “positive progress” from the hamstring injury he suffered against Liverpool in the final weeks of last season. According to the ECHO, his minutes will be managed through pre-season to avoid overexertion after an injury-ravaged campaign.
Other Absences
New signing Hayden Hackney has been “successfully integrated” into the squad, with the process set to continue next week. Vitalii Mykolenko is absent due to the birth of his second child.
Everton Lineup vs Dundee
The starting XI: Travers, Rohl, O'Brien, Keane, Aznou, Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Beto. Substitutes: King, Tarkowski, McNeil, Barry, Alcaraz, Tamen, Finney, Graham, Campbell, Olayiwola, Catesby, Foster.
