Tark injury has raised new question for summer rebuild

SEE you all at Bramley Moore.

- By JOE THOMAS

That was James Tarkowski's message after his manager David Moyes confirmed his season had been ended by a hamstring injury suffered against Manchester City.

It was a simple post from a humble player who has played a talismanic role at Everton since joining three years ago.

But it is an injury that, behind the scenes, has presented a complex dilemma.

Moyes knows this summer will be difficult. Excit-ing, yes. Transformative, hopefully.

But a lot of decisions need to be made and there will be demand for visible progress after years of turmoil and trauma on and off the pitch.

Everton approach this summer with 15 senior players on deals that, as it stands, would have them leave the club.

On who to release and who to try and retain, some of the calls are straightforward.

Many are not and there are players entering the final four games of this season with their Blues future in the balance.

Performances still matter while who is open to staying, on what terms and who might become available, are all factors being weighed up behind the scenes right now.

For all the uncertainty, there was certainty in one area of the pitch.