James Tarkowski limped off injured after pulling up early in the second half of Everton’s game with Manchester City.

The centre back, known for his physical resilience, pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. He immediately signalled the need to come off and was clearly disappointed when he left the pitch.

The 32-year-old has started every Premier League game since he joined Everton two and a half years ago and has played all but eight minutes of this league campaign, his only previous withdrawal having come in the heavy away defeat at Manchester United in December.

READ MORE: Everton vs Man City LIVE – score, goals, James Tarkowski injury blow and commentary streamREAD MORE: What Everton starting line-up vs Man City means for Carlo Alcaraz transferTarkowski was replaced by Michael Keane, while Idrissa Gueye took the captain’s armband for the remainder of the game. Tarkowski will now be assessed by club medical staff.

With just five games left of the season he may face a battle to feature again – providing an opportunity for Keane to finish the campaign, expected to be his last at Everton, in the team, or for David Moyes to look at Jake O’Brien in his preferred position at centre back. O’Brien has spent recent months at right back.