James Garner in Premier League action for Everton in 2025-26
James Garner in Premier League action for Everton in 2025-26
When James Garner is expected to return after surgery as Everton trio ruled out
Everton said the problem would be assessed before a further update was provided.
Well that update has now been delivered ahead of Saturday's latest friendly against Bolton Wanderers.
And it is bad news for both Garner and Everton as the midfielder required a minor operation.
Further details on his return have been shared, along with an update on two other injured Everton players.
Everton confirmed via their official website on Saturday afternoon that Garner has undergone successful surgery on his groin.
He has already started his rehabilitation at Finch Farm and is expected to return to training around the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
That means he is almost certain to miss the Toffees' clash with Crystal Palace on 22 August.
Tyler Dibling and Hayden Hackney were also absent for the friendly against Bolton at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Dibling was ruled out due to a minor knock, while summer signing Hackney is still recovering from an injury sustained at the end of last season.
For Garner, though, the wait for a return is longer.
Garner would have started the opening match against Palace, but there is surely no chance of that happening now.
Assuming the Englishman is back in training from around this time next month, he is then in a race against time to feature against Bournemouth on 29 August.
The hope is that Garner, hailed a "leader" by Moyes earlier this year, is able to quickly work his way back to fitness
But after missing pretty much the entire of pre-season, that will be easier said than done.