Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - November 5, 2022. Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin walks off the pitch after sustaining an injury.
talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor says Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s latest injury is a ‘big blow’ for Everton, and his injury record in general is ‘really worrying’.
The Lowdown: Major doubt
Calvert-Lewin reportedly ‘looks certain’ to miss the Merseyside derby away at Liverpool tonight, after missing training for four days in a row.
Sean Dyche has confirmed that he is ‘touch and go at best’ for the game, and has been carrying a ‘niggly hamstring’ that he played with in the 1-0 win at home to Arsenal.
The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor says that Calvert-Lewin’s latest setback is a ‘big blow’, and his poor injury record is a worry for Dyche:
“It’s a big blow for Everton.
“He was a bit more like the Calvert-Lewin we know against Arsenal.
“He was physical and a handful, but these injuries are really worrying.
“When he’s at full pelt for more than 30 minutes or a half – he seems to always come out with a knock.
“That’s not a good sign.
“Especially when they’ve only got Maupay and Simms in reserve.
“It’s a worry for Dyche, and I’m sure he’ll be wanting to get to the bottom of these injuries.”
The Verdict: Too unreliable
Unfortunately, Calvert-Lewin has become too unreliable in terms of his availability.
The striker missed the first part of the season with a knee injury, and also missed a chunk of games before and after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
This has meant that he has struggled with consistency, scoring just one goal so far this season, while the Toffees have been goal-shy in the Premier League in general.
Nonetheless, Dyche does not have many better options available, with Neal Maupay also struggling in front of goal, and Ellis Simms only been recalled from his loan spell at Sunderland in January.
It will be interesting to see who the manager goes with up top, especially if Calvert-Lewin is confirmed to be ruled out.
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