Everton first-teamer nowhere to be seen v Preston as injury concern shared - report

James Garner was missing from the Everton squad versus Preston after potentially picking up an injury in training, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Paul Wheelock reported on 3 August that there are suggestions the 23-year-old may have suffered an injury in training to rule him out.

Jarrad Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson, Youssef Chermiti, Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure were also not part of the squad.

James Garner missing for Everton v Preston

With Sean Dyche preparing for his side’s Premier League opener in two weeks, he will want a full squad available to him as soon as possible.

It is certainly a positive to have new signings Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O’Brien involved in the squad against Preston (3 July).

On the flip side, having Garner drop out through injury will certainly be a cause for concern for Everton moving forward.

The versatile midfielder featured heavily in the last campaign for the Toffees, featuring in all but one league game [FotMob].

His absence will leave a gap in the midfield at Goodison, especially after the departure of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa last month.

The Manchester United academy graduate also provides useful cover at right back, which makes him an extremely valuable utility man under Dyche.

It is unclear how soon Garner will return but supporters will be hopeful he will be ready for the opener against Brighton.

In other Everton news, Alan Myers has shared what he has heard about Goodison links to Habib Diarra.

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