Garner recovering from groin surgery as Everton draw at Bolton

[Getty Images]Everton midfielder James Garner could miss the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season after undergoing surgery on his groin.

>The 25-year-old, who was absent in last weekend's pre-season friendly against Dundee, has now started his rehabilitation at Finch Farm and is expected to return to first-team training around the opening week of the new season.

>The club shared the news after Saturday's goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers in which Jarrad Branthwaite returned to the Blues starting line-up.

>The defender, who has been side lined since April, featured in a new-look Everton back five alongside James Tarkowski, Jake O'Brien, Adam Aznou and Merlin Rohl.

>Thierno Barry had the ball in the back of the net from close range in the first-half, but the offside flag was lifted and they went into the break goalless.

>David Moyes made five substitutions at half-time as Tom King, Michael Keane, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Vitalii Mykolenko and Tyrique George were all introduced.

>Beto had the best of the chances in the second-half, but the striker sent his shot wide of the hosts' goal.

>Five of Everton's under-21s' squad finished the match as Blues pushed for a winner until the very end.

>Stoke City are Everton's next opponents on Tuesday, 28 July (19:45 BST) and winger Tyler Dibling, who missed Saturday's match due to a minor knock, and summer signing Hayden Hackney are expected to be available.