The Everton medical room has been typically busy heading into the new campaign, with David Moyes managing several players back from long-term issues.
This page will be updated throughout pre-season and the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign as fitness news breaks.
Last updated: 28 July 2026, following Saturday’s Bolton friendly
Jarrad Branthwaite — centre-back
Status: Managing return
Branthwaite made his first appearance of pre-season in Saturday’s goalless draw at Bolton, playing the opening 45 minutes. It was his first involvement since being stretchered off in April’s Merseyside derby, an injury that required hamstring surgery and effectively ended his 2025-26 season.
He was held out of the opening friendly against Dundee as a precaution before being eased back in against Bolton. Full fitness is being targeted for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on 22 August.
James Garner — central midfield
Status: Sidelined, surgery
Garner underwent surgery for a groin issue sustained during pre-season and has missed the opening friendlies as a result. He’s expected to return to first-team training around the start of the league season.
Hayden Hackney — central midfield
Status: Building fitness
Signed this summer, Hackney has been eased back after recovering from an injury picked up at the end of last season. He’s yet to feature across Everton’s first two friendlies against Dundee and Bolton, but is expected to make his debut against Stoke on Tuesday.
Tyler Dibling — winger
Status: Minor knock
Everton’s other summer signing missed the Bolton friendly with a minor knock but isn’t considered a long-term concern, and is expected to feature against Stoke.
Vitalii Mykolenko — left-back
Status: Available
Missed the Dundee friendly following the birth of his second child, but returned to the squad for Bolton, starting at left-back before being replaced by Adam Aznou at half-time.
Jack Grealish — winger
Status: Fit, future uncertain
Grealish is still rehabilitating from the stress fracture that ended his loan spell early last season. (File under “wishful thinking” — Everton remain unlikely to trigger the option to sign him permanently, so this fitness update may end up more relevant to City than to us.)
Follow any updates on Everton’s wish to sign him on our live transfer tracker.
Squad news changes fast in pre-season — check back for updates as Everton continue their programme against Stoke, Hamburger SV, Stuttgart, Newcastle United and Lille before the Crystal Palace opener.
