James Garner Injury: Best Everton FPL Alternatives for Gameweek 1

Last updated: 27 July 2026

Everton have confirmed that James Garner underwent successful surgery after a groin issue was identified during pre-season.

The club is targeting a return to first-team training around the opening week of the Premier League season, subject to his recovery.

That wording makes Garner a serious Gameweek 1 risk. Returning to training during the opening week is not the same as being ready to start and complete 90 minutes.

What the update means for FPL

Any existing OneFPL draft containing Garner should be reviewed in the OneFPL Planner.

Why Gameweek 1 looks too early

A player returning to team training around the opening week may still need individual conditioning, full-contact sessions, tactical work and match minutes.

Even if Garner is included in Everton's matchday squad, a short substitute appearance would offer limited FPL value.

Best Everton alternatives

Jordan Pickford

Pickford offers the safest route into Everton.

He is a confirmed starter, has strong save potential and should benefit from the updated goalkeeper Bonus Points System.

James Tarkowski

Tarkowski combines secure minutes, defensive contributions and set-piece threat.

He collected 44 defensive-contribution points last season and remains central to Everton's defence.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Dewsbury-Hall produced eight goals and seven assists last season.

Garner's absence could increase his creative responsibility, although Everton may divide corners and free kicks among several players.

Hayden Hackney

Hackney is being integrated after recovering from an injury suffered at the end of last season.

He may receive additional central-midfield responsibility while Garner recovers, but he also needs pre-season minutes.

Updated Everton comparison

Check the live player records in the OneFPL Player Lab.

What happens to set pieces?

Garner was expected to remain involved in corners and direct free kicks.

His absence may increase the responsibility of Dewsbury-Hall, Dwight McNeil or another starting creative player.

The safest evidence is repeated responsibility across the final two friendlies.

Should you keep Garner on the watchlist?

Yes, when:

1. He returns to full first-team training
2. He completes meaningful match minutes
3. He resumes corners and free kicks
4. The manager confirms that he is ready to start
5. His price remains attractive

OneFPL verdict

Avoid Garner in initial Gameweek 1 drafts.

Pickford and Tarkowski offer the safest Everton routes, while Dewsbury-Hall carries the greatest attacking upside.

Reassess Garner after his first competitive start and monitor his status through OneFPL Injury News.

FAQ

Is James Garner ruled out of Gameweek 1?

Everton have not ruled him out, but his targeted return to training around the opening week makes a start uncertain.

Who takes Everton corners without Garner?

Dewsbury-Hall and other creative players are leading candidates. Pre-season evidence is required.

Is Tarkowski a better pick than Pickford?

Tarkowski has set-piece and defensive-contribution upside. Pickford offers greater minutes certainty and save points.

Should I remove Garner from my draft?

Yes. Use a healthy placeholder and reconsider him after he returns to full match fitness.

OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.