Sean Dyche gives Everton injury update on Dele Alli, Jarrad Branthwaite and two more players

Several players were absent for Everton’s 3-3 pre-season draw against Sligo Rovers.
Sean Dyche has revealed that James Tarkowski missed Everton’s opening pre-season friendly of the summer with a minor injury.

The centre-back has been ever-present in the Premier League for the Toffees since arriving on a free transfer from Burnley two years ago. Tarkowski was one of Everton’s standout performers last season and heads into the 2024-25 campaign having forged an excellent defensive partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite.

Yet both were absent for the 3-3 draw against Sligo Rovers, which culminated the Blues’ pre-season trip to the Republic of Ireland. A late Youssef Chermiti double rescued Everton a stalemate against the League of Ireland side, with Mason Holgate also netting.

Nathan Patterson was also among those who did not feature, as well as Dele Alli. The midfielder is out of contract at Goodison Park but is working his way towards full fitness with a view to a potential new contrac                           

It never seems to be plain sailing at Everton Football Club and this was demonstrated during a friendly match with Sligo Rovers that finished 3-3 – but the thrilling draw was not the main talking point

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Idrissa Gueye was the unfortunate player who lost his badge

It has been a tough few hours for Everton after its much-anticipated takeover by the Friedkin Group hit the skids.

But things seemingly went from bad to worse when they showed off their new kit during a friendly away to Sligo Rovers this evening (July 19).

The Castore top is worth a staggering £110 – but rival fans were quick to mock the Toffees after footage emerged of the famous badge falling off the shirt of one of the players.

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Midfielder Idrissa Gueye was watching the ball when the stitching of his crest suddenly gave way.

It has been a difficult few years for Everton fans

One account on X, called They Think Kits All Over, wrote: “Everton debut with Castore. The badge has fallen off. Can’t make this up.”

A reply read: “Castore are the worst brand I have ever seen for football shirts…yet clubs still run with them.”

Another account went with: “Badge is falling off Gueyes shirt already. 110 quid for that pro shirt.”

And No Context Everton said: “Everton’s first run out in their new kit by manufacturer Castore tonight………30 minutes in and the badges started falling off.

“By half time Gueyes badge had fell off completely. Sean Dyche and the kit man had to glue them back on at half time. These small clubs.”

And an Evertonian called Mike said: “The only thing flapping more than Gueyes badge is our whole fan base about who’s buying the club. The most Everton thing ever.”

Another football upporter added: “I can confirm that Gueye’s badge is fully flapping off his shirt. This is glorious.”