James Garner
EVE
CM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Mar 13, 2001 (25)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
EvertonStill not 100 percent
Garner is still not 100 percent after being forced off late in Sunday's draw against Manchester United, reports the NY Times.
Analysis: Garner was battling cramps late in the game and it surprisingly took a few extra minutes to sub him off. He returned early from groin surgery and has started the last two league matches due to Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard also not being healthy. As long as he didn't pick up another injury in the process, Garner should remain in the XI, though his partner in the midfield will likely be either Harrison Armstrong or Hackney going forward.
Exits with possible injury
Garner was forced off with a possible injury in the 77th minute of Sunday's clash against Manchester United.
Analysis: Garner had shifted from central midfield to right-back for the latter stages of the contest before his injury brought his match to an early end. The nature and severity of the issue remain unclear, with further assessment needed to determine whether he'll miss any time. If Garner is forced to sit out upcoming matches, Hayden Hackney would be the leading candidate to replace him in central midfield, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles provides another option on the right side.
Three tackles in draw
Garner generated four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: Garner picked up a yellow card for serious foul play in the 59th minute, with the referee wasting no time going to his pocket before Garner was replaced by Hayden Hackney shortly afterward. He took three corners and sent in four crosses, though none found their target, giving Everton a steady source of set-piece service without delivering the end product they needed. Garner also won three tackles during his time on the pitch and continues to work his way back to full fitness after a groin injury limited him throughout preseason.
Plays 64 minutes against Preston
Garner had one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and four chances created in 64 minutes of play during Wednesday's EFL Cup win over Preston North End.
Analysis: Garner had previously recorded 11 minutes in the Premier League opener after completing his rehabilitation from groin surgery, but he stepped into a larger role in cup play. His presence is a key element in his team's midfield, as much of the ball distribution flows through him, and he usually takes most of the squad's set pieces. He could also remain busy in defensive work, with his efficiency reflected in four of five tackles won and six successful duels during the recent cup game. His inclusion in the main lineup pushes covers for the potential loss of Hayden Hackney (knock) and takes corner and free kicks away from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Promising return from hernia surgery
Garner (groin) had one tackle (one won) in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Garner came off the bench for the final 11 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, registering one chance created and one tackle won in his first appearance since undergoing hernia surgery. The English midfielder is regarded as an indispensable starter in manager David Moyes' midfield system when fully fit, providing the creative control and defensive intelligence that gives Everton their best midfield balance, and his brief but encouraging cameo suggests he is on track to reclaim his starting role in the coming weeks as Everton look to build on a winning start to the 2026-27 campaign.
Still working way back
Garner is out for Saturday's season opener against Crystal Palace, according to coach David Moyes. "Garner is returning from a hernia operation."
Analysis: Garner had been building up with on-field training in Germany after his procedure, but that recovery has not progressed quickly enough for him to be ready for the opener, which was never expected to be the case. He's still likely another week or two away from full training, which means more minutes for players like Hayden Hackney and Harrison Armstrong in the Everton midfield.
Ruled out for season opener
Garner is ruled out of Saturday's season opener against Crystal Palace as his start to the 2026-27 campaign is delayed following groin surgery, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Garner had been building up with on field training in Germany after his procedure, but that recovery has not progressed quickly enough for him to be ready for the opener. He finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets, making his continued absence a real blow so early in the new campaign. Garner is expected to continue his rehabilitation with a return targeted for the coming weeks. Harrison Armstrong is expected to start in midfield in his absence.
Steps up recovery in Germany
Garner has stepped up his recovery from groin surgery and has resumed on-field training in Germany, the club announced.
Analysis: Garner underwent successful surgery to address the issue identified during preseason and began his rehabilitation at Finch Farm, with a return to first team training still targeted around the opening week of the Premier League season. He finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets, making his recovery an important storyline to track as the campaign approaches. Garner is expected to continue building toward that targeted return as his rehabilitation progresses.
Undergoes successful groin surgery
Garner has undergone successful surgery to address the groin issue identified during preseason and has begun his rehabilitation at Finch Farm, with a return to first team training targeted around the opening week of the Premier League season, according to the club.
Analysis: Garner finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets in the final third, so this surgery is a significant setback given his importance to the team. His recovery is described as progressing as expected, though his targeted return timeline means he could miss the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League campaign, and his rehabilitation will be worth monitoring closely as the season approaches.
Dealing with groin issue
Garner is not an option for Saturday's friendly against Dundee after experiencing discomfort in his groin following his return to training, with the issue set to be reviewed next week, according to the club.
Analysis: Garner finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets in the final third. His groin discomfort is a new development that will need to be monitored closely, and the upcoming review should provide more clarity on his timeline heading into the rest of preseason.
Creates four chances in finale
Garner registered one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Garner had a productive day on the attack in Sunday's season finale, recording four chances created for the fourth time this season. He also recorded eight crosses (three accurate) and four corners as he was easily his side's most productive attacker. It was a very productive season for him as he scored two goals and recorded seven assists across 38 starts.
Productive Sunday
Garner had one shot (one on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 30th minute.
Analysis: Garner recorded nine crosses in Sunday's draw, his sixth match this season with nine or more. He also created three chances and put one shot on target, a productive outing for the defensive midfielder. On the defensive end he won two tackles and intercepted one pass as he played the full 90 minutes in his 20th consecutive match.
Assist in busy match
Garner assisted once to go with six crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Monday's 3-3 draw versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Garner was all over the field Monday as he put in yet another workhorse effort, recording two chances created and six crosses while also being a big factor in defense. This would be followed up by earning an assist, finding Jake O'Brien via a corner kick. Garner sits just one short of double-digit goal contributions this season, recording two goals and seven assists.
Logs in assist
Garner assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 3-0 win against Chelsea.
Analysis: Garner recorded an assist with a tackle won and a shot on target, while also keeping the clean sheet vs Chelsea on Saturday. This was his third assist in the last four PL appearances, while also collecting 16 key passes, four shots on target, eight tackles won and two clean sheets in seven games.
Four crosses in defeat
Garner generated four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Arsenal.
Analysis: Garner led the Everton attacking effort Saturday with four crosses (zero accurate) and four corners but was unable to pick the lock of the Arsenal backline in a 2-0 road defeat. The versatile midfielder also contributed one tackle (one won), three interceptions and five clearances to the defensive effort across his 90-minute shift. Garner has logged the full 90 minutes in 14 consecutive Premier League appearances.
Provides assist against Burnley
Garner assisted once to go with 10 crosses (three accurate) and six corners in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Garner's set-piece delivery sparked the opener as his 32nd minute free kick found James Tarkowski for the headed goal. He kept whipping dangerous balls into the box and nearly set up another before halftime when Martin Dubravka denied Jarrad Branthwaite's header. His command of midfield and steady dead-ball service kept Burnley under constant pressure and made Everton's dominance pay off in what was likely his best outing of the season, setting a new season high with five chances created, 10 crosses, six corners and seven tackles to cap his shift, while also recording assists in back to back Premier League matches and continuing to show how influential he is in the Toffees' attacking phases.
Assists against Newcastle
Garner assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 victory versus Newcastle United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 67th minute.
Analysis: Garner delivered an excellent corner that found Jarrad Branthwaite for the opening goal. After recording just one goal contribution last Premier League season, he already has two goals and four assists this year in only eight more matches. Along with his attacking improvement, his defensive output has stood out, with 81 tackles and 46 interceptions placing him among the top defensive midfielders in the league. His balanced profile continues to make him a key piece for Everton. He will look to build on that form in the next fixture against Burnley, who sit 19th, offering a good opportunity to contribute again and potentially help secure a first clean sheet in nine Premier League matches.
14 crosses in Monday's loss
Garner had one shot (one on goal), 14 crosses (four accurate) and six corners in Monday's 1-0 defeat versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Garner was very active on the attack Monday, recording a season-high 14 crosses versus the Red Devils. He was able to muster up four accurate crosses and two chances created, but he couldn't provide a goal contribution. He played well on the defensive end too as he provided two clearances, one interception and one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action.
Creative effort in victory
Garner registered one shot (one on goal), six crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Fulham. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 56th minute.
Analysis: Garner made an impact with his set-piece crosses, yet none of them led directly to a goal in this game. The four chances created were his highest figure since Sept. 13 and tied his season-high mark. He has been quite consistent as an all-around contributor while featuring mostly as a central midfielder, with his corner and free kick duties granting him some attacking potential in addition to a solid passing and defensive output.
Registers most crosses
Garner recorded six crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Analysis: Garner registered the most crosses in the game, tied with Maxim De Cuyper. Garner created a chance, won nine duels and also made six tackles, three interceptions and two clearances. He has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the league, offensively and defensively, and has started all games so far.
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