The Premier League season starts this weekend and Everton have come alive in the last few days to string up a competent squad so a relegation battle can be avoided. With Richarlison gone, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was to be trusted as the talisman, the main man whose presence can make all the difference.
Calvert-Lewin had a dismal last season as injuries plagued him and thwarted his progress. The Englishman netted the winning goal against Crystal Palace, the goal that ensured Everton’s safety for next season.
Richarlison had scored 10 Premier League goals and with the Brazilian gone, Calvert-Lewin’s responsibilities are bound to increase. Even though Everton signed Dwight McNeil to reinforce the attack, Calvert-Lewin will be expected to score more goals and take on the role of the prime goal scorer, as he had in the 2020-21 season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Last season, the 25 year old missed 18 out of 38 Premier League games; meanwhile, he remained on the bench because of fitness concerns for three games. Going through a disastrous spell in his career, the Englishman admitted that he had to dig very deep inside himself to find confidence and opened up about his mental health struggles.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffers fresh injury
Calvert-Lewin looked fit, sharp, and hungry in pre-season, all set to lead the frontline against Chelsea at Goodison Park but the striker has suffered a fresh injury. Everton have received a major blow ahead of the start of the season as the player suffered a knee injury in training. Manager Frank Lampard confirmed Calvert-Lewin’s injury, who is not set to miss the season opener against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
"We are assessing Dom’s injury. No timeframe has been confirmed and we are pretty sure what level it is so we are hopeful it is not long-term. We’ll miss him for Chelsea. He was looking in great physical condition and was training really well.It was a freak injury in training, which does happen. It’s a shame but we have to find the solutions to keep ourselves strong without Dominic before he returns. (via the club’s official website)"
Even though, Lampard has stated that the timeframe is unknown, perhaps, as a tactic to not let any information out to the opponents. However, reputed The Times journalist Paul Joyce has provided the timeframe for which Everton will be without Calvert-Lewin. As per Joyce, the forward is sidelined for around a month.
With the 25 year old out and backup striker Salomon Rondon suspended for the first two games of the season, Lampard may choose to deploy Dele Alli as a false nine. The Toffees have been linked to the likes of Maxwel Cornet but they are far from completing a deal.
Will Everton miss Dominic Calvert-Lewin during the initial part of the campaign?