Sean Dyche confirms ‘outstanding’ Everton player will be fit to play this weekend, after injury scare

James Tarkowski will be available as Everton host Fulham this weekend.

Sean Dyche confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the defender would be fully fit after recovering from a knee injury.

Tarkowski had been an ever-present figure under Sean Dyche last season and looked set to continue his role after regularly featuring during their pre-season schedule.

While the ‘outstanding’ 30-year-old was rewarded for his success with the vice-captaincy role and would take the armband in Seamus Coleman’s absence, it was unclear whether he would start against Fulham.

Tarkowski was forced off during Everton’s win over Sporting Lisbon with a knee problem, however it now looks like he will make a quick recovery from his knock in time for their Premier League opener.

James Tarkowski is a huge boost, though they may struggle at the other end of the pitch against Fulham

James Tarkowski’s availability is huge news for Everton, with the defender likely to play a major part in how this season pans out.

The centre-back could well make the Toffees’ defence very hard to penetrate, however the team could still further up as they take on Fulham.

Sean Dyche also reiterated that Dwight McNeil will be out for weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage in their friendly against Stoke City.

The winger will be a huge loss this weekend, especially given that Demarai Gray won’t feature against the team that reportedly want to sign him.

There was little mention of Arnaut Danjuma despite his recent injury, which could suggest he will be fit and could take Gray’s place in the starting line-up.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also fit, though Dyche admitted he ‘will have to make a call’ about whether he will be included in the squad due to his lack of games during pre-season.