Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - November 5, 2022. Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin walks off the pitch after sustaining an injury.
Everton have been dealt a big injury blow before they face Leeds United as Sean Dyche has confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ‘not available’ to play.
The Lowdown: Problems in front of goal
Everton have been suffering in front of goal so far this season, with just 16 scored in the Premier League, making them the lowest scorers in the entire division.
Their strikers have only managed to score two goals between them in total, with returnee Ellis Simms entrusted to lead the line in the 2-0 loss away at Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Monday night.
The 22-year-old struggled in truth, recording no shots on target and just 19 touches of the ball, as he was hauled off for winger Demarai Gray just after the hour mark (SofaScore).
The Latest: Calvert-Lewin still injured
Calvert-Lewin missed the Liverpool clash through injury, and Dyche has since confirmed that he has still not recovered, and therefore ‘not available’ against Leeds:
“DCL root of the problem is obvious, now it’s just getting his body well. Dom is not available.”
The Verdict: Big blow
It is a big blow for the Merseysiders to have Calvert-Lewin unavailable again at Goodison Park.
When fit, he has been a reliable source for goals, with 59 scored over the course of his Toffees career, including two double-figure seasons in the Premier League.
Aside from his goals, he also offers a lot more to the team, as he averages more aerials won (3.2) per top-flight game than any of his team-mates, and also ranks highly for shots and dribbles.
Nonetheless, the clash against Leeds really feels like a six-pointer given both of their positions in the league table, and so the Blues will have to try and find a way to win without Calvert-Lewin in the side.
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