Everton Injury News vs Fulham: Calvert-Lewin and McNeil blow, defender fit

Everton will begin their 70th consecutive season in the English Top Flight on Saturday as they welcome Marco Silva’s Fulham at Goodison Park. The slate has been wiped clean and the relegation battles of last season are in the past. Sean Dyche’s side now have a chance to start afresh and make a step forward after two abysmal seasons.

At the end of last season, Calvert-Lewin picked up another injury ruling him out for the final three games. The England striker returned to grass recently and made an appearance against Sporting in the last friendly before the Premier League kicks off on 11th August.

There are a number of concerns in terms of injury with Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, James Tarkowski, Seamus Coleman and Dele Alli. While speaking to the media ahead of the Fulham game, Dyche provided updates on the aforementioned names.

Everton Injury News vs Fulham as Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubtful

"“We have been more cautious over the last couple of games. The squad is still skinny, injuries will take a bit of time, it is more managing the players. He [James Tarkowski] is fine. He [Calvert-Lewin] needs game time. Unfortunately, the games have just ran out of pre-season for him. If it could have been a couple of weeks earlier, we could have got more game time in. He’s fit and well and generally he is finishing off his games program and as long as he comes through that, we will be looking forward to having him back.We’ll have to make a call on that [Calvert-Lewin’s inclusion against Fulham]. Dele has had an unfortunate set back. He’s finding himself, which is important after the recent news. He’s had a setback when he was just getting fit and getting back to training, so it isn’t ideal. He has got time to be well on the pitch and off the pitch.Dwight, unfortunately, it isn’t going to be days but it is going to be weeks. In my experience, he has never been injured often so we hope that his body deals with it pretty quickly. Seamus is on his way. The natural part of his rehab will come with the natural part of his rehab, so its more of a timescale thing as regards to the plan in place for that type of injury” (via Everton Youtube Channel)"

With Calvert-Lewin’s inclusion looking dicy, we could see the inclusion of Youssef Chermiti at some point, should he be registered in time for the Fulham clash. McNeil being out for weeks is a definite blow for the Toffees as he was Everton’s top scorer and performed exceptionally well last season.

With Nathan Patterson and Ashley Young ready to provide cover at right back, Coleman can ease his return and take as much time as needed. Tarkowski suffered an injury scare against Sporting but the Englishman is fit and ready for the Fulham game. With regards to Alli, he must be provided with whatever time he requires to regain fitness and feel good on and off the pitch.