James Garner is in a race to be fit for the start of Everton’s new season.
Garner was one of the standout performers for David Moyes’ side last term with consistent displays earning him a new long-term contract in late January.
International recognition also followed for the midfielder as he received a first senior England call-up from Thomas Tuchel for March’s friendlies with Uruguay and Japan.
He featured 41 times for the Blues in all competitions but was a notable absentee from last weekend’s opening pre-season friendly against Dundee with a groin issue.
Garner also missed Saturday’s trip to Bolton alongside Tyler Dibling, who has a minor knock, while new signing Hayden Hackney is being ‘integrated’ into the team.
Everton have now confirmed that the 25-year-old has undergone successful surgery on the issue which will see him play no part in the club’s summer warm-up schedule.
He is expected to resume training in the week leading up to the opening Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 22.
“James Garner has undergone successful surgery to address a groin issue identified during pre-season,” read a club statement.
“The Blues midfielder has begun his rehabilitation at Finch Farm and is progressing as expected, with a return to first-team training being targeted around the opening week of the Premier League season, subject to his continued recovery.”
Garner’s absence means that Everton are increasingly light in midfield options following Idrissa Gueye’s decision to bring his second spell at the club to an end.
The Senegal international is set to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Diriyah after bringing the curtain down on a combined seven-season stay on Merseyside.