James Tarkowski, the Everton defender, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury that necessitates surgery. The injury occurred during Everton's 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City last weekend, marking a significant setback for the team.

David Moyes, Everton's manager, expressed his concern over the impact of Tarkowski's absence on the team's performance. "Losing Tarky is a big blow for us. He has been a crucial part of our defense and his presence will be sorely missed in the remaining matches," Moyes stated.

Tarkowski, 32, has been a consistent figure in Everton's lineup since joining the club in July 2022, not missing a single league game until this injury. His contributions have been vital, including a memorable last-minute equalizer against Liverpool at Goodison Park in February.

The injury also means Tarkowski will fall short of equalling Wayne Bridge's Premier League record of 113 consecutive starts for an outfield player by just two games. Everton, currently 13th in the Premier League, faces Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Saturday, a match that will be challenging without their key defender.

Looking ahead, Moyes highlighted that Tarkowski's recovery could affect Everton's pre-season preparations for the 2025-2026 campaign. The team will need to adapt quickly to ensure they start the next season on a strong note.

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