Goodison Park hosted its final game yesterday, and ahead of kick-off James Tarkowski provided fans with an injury update.
Everton will officially no longer play at Goodison Park, which had been the club’s home ground for 133 years.
In the final game Everton beat Southampton 2-0, with Iliman Ndiaye at the double for the hosts.
He’s written his name into the history books as the final scorer at Goodison, and he’ll no doubt have his eyes set on becoming the first first-team player to score at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
One man who yesterday will have been bittersweet for is James Tarkowski.
Having been a mainstay in the Everton backline, Tarkowski was recently ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
But he provided an injury update ahead of kick-off yesterday – and it’s clear what he wants to happen.
Everton star James Tarkowski shares injury update on Goodison Park pitch
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Tarkowski suffered a hamstring injury in the recent game against Manchester City.
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The injury was severe enough for him to require surgery and fans recently saw the Everton defender wearing a brace during an appearance on Monday Night Football.
Tarkowski had been on a run of games that stretched all the way back to July 2022, so him picking up an injury was a huge shame.
But it sounds like his recovery is going well, with the star optimistic and suggesting he’s embracing getting back fit again.
Well, that’s a record! 👏
James Tarkowski’s Premier League stats since his debut in August 2016 📈 pic.twitter.com/5OgfEy6Oif
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 5, 2025
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He said live on TNT Sports: “Yeah good, keeping well.
“It’s going to be a bit of a slow burner, I’ll take a bit of time. But I’m sort of embracing the challenge of getting fit again and looking forward to next season.”
Before this, it was suggested Tarkowski was aiming to be fit for pre-season for Everton.
A chance for Jake O’Brien to oust Tarkowski
Tarkowski has been a huge signing for Everton and a pillar of consistency at the back.
It was a real shame when he got injured, but Everton were, at least, under no threat of relegation.
He’ll continue to be a big player for David Moyes and the likelihood is that he’ll be the new club captain if Seamus Coleman doesn’t sign a contract extension at Everton.
But there’s a chance for Jake O’Brien to cement his place alongside Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of 2025/26.
He’s had a couple of outings now in his natural position and will play there in the final game against Newcastle.
And then, O’Brien will have the chance to keep Tarkowski out of the team, with the Englishman saying he’ll need time to get up to speed.