According to Sean Dyche, Everton’s striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin may play against Crystal Palace in the Premier League match this weekend.
What’s Calvert-Lewin’s health update?
The Toffees forward has been susceptible to injury this season, missing a total of fourteen games due to a knee injury and hamstring issues. He hasn’t played in the top-flight since their 1-0 victory over Arsenal on February 4.
Last week, Everton held a private match at their Finch Farm training ground, which the 26-year-old took part in to recuperate and get some valuable playing time, and after successfully making it out of the match unscathed, he could finally return when his team travels to Selhurst Park on Saturday.
During his press conference, Dyche confirmed that Calvert-Lewin is now fit and will be considered for the game against Palace. He also provided an update on Amadou Onana’s fitness. According to Everton’s official website, he commented:
“He will certainly be in my thinking, without a doubt. [The behind-closed-doors match on Tuesday] was all about him, really. It was the end of a rehab period so we’re very pleased that he came through that and he felt good.
“Ama (Onana) has made a bit more of a recovery. He was training today and we’ll see how that reacts tomorrow.”
How significant is Calvert-Lewin’s return?
Calvert-Lewin may have had a lacklustre season, but he is a crucial player for Everton in general. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed him a “behemoth,” and it will be a significant addition for Dyche’s team to have him back.
The Sheffield-born player has contributed to 77 goals (59 goals and 18 assists) in 203 matches on Merseyside and is an ideal target man at the top. Before his absence, the £100k-per-week star was averaging 3.2 aerial wins per top-flight game.
Lastly, with the versatility Calvert-Lewin brings to the team, having played in six different positions since the beginning of his career, including all across the front line, his potential return this weekend can only be a positive for Everton.
