James Garner makes honest Everton injury admission as fresh Thierno Barry verdict delivered

Everton midfielder James Garner has admitted he returned to action "probably a bit too early" following summer groin surgery. Despite initial expectations that he would miss the start of the season, Garner returned for the opening fixture and has featured in every match since. He scored his first goal of the campaign during Everton's 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United on Thursday night.

Everton manager David Moyes also delivered an assessment of striker Thierno Barry, praising his work ethic after he scored his seventh goal in 11 appearances against Newcastle. Moyes noted that while the squad remains short of attacking options, Barry continues to improve, and Everton now look forward to a League Cup quarter-final tie against Fleetwood Town.