According to journalist Pete O’Rourke (via GIVEMESPORT), the return of Everton’s striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin from injury could provide Sean Dyche with a significant boost in their efforts to secure Premier League survival.
Calvert-Lewin, 26, has been struggling with fitness issues, causing him to miss most of the 2022/23 season. The Liverpool Echo reported that Calvert-Lewin increased his rehabilitation efforts this week and played for 70 minutes in a closed-door training game against Chester.
Despite not scoring in the game, Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to action for Everton for the first time since early February when he was substituted due to a hamstring problem against Arsenal. The England international played 70 minutes in a behind-closed-doors training match for Everton against Chester, as reported by The Liverpool Echo. Calvert-Lewin also hinted on social media that he is fit and ready for selection, as he posted an image of himself with a caption on Twitter reading, “Bring on Saturday!”
Everton will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, and a win could lift them three points clear of the relegation zone if other results go in their favor. Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Calvert-Lewin’s return could make a significant impact in Everton’s bid to stay in the Premier League.
O’Rourke told GMS: “It’s a huge boost and he potentially could be a difference-maker for Everton. He’s just been so badly missed by Everton this season; they haven’t had a number nine who can get them a regular flow of goals this season. We all know that Everton’s problem this season has been the lack of goals. That’s why they find themselves in this relegation dogfight. I think with Calvert-Lewin back for the survival run-in, his goals could prove the difference, maybe turning some games into wins and picking up a crucial three points for Everton. As I said, at this stage of season, you want your best players fit and ready to go and maybe a fresh and raring-to-go Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be the spearhead to secure Everton in the Premier League again.”