Journalist Greg O'Keeffe believes Dominic Calvert-Lewin may struggle to regain his starting spot at Everton when he returns from injury.

The Lowdown: Calvert-Lewin could be Everton's saviour

Everton have struggled for goals, managing to find the back of the net just 63 times in the Premier League since the start of last season - only 20 thus far this term alone - which has coincided with Calvert-Lewin's atrocious injury trouble.

Since the beginning of last season, the England international has managed to start just 24 times in the Premier League, so it's no surprise that the Toffees are now facing their second successive relegation battle.

Sean Dyche has had to turn to Demarai Gray to lead the line for Everton in the last two games, which has seen him score once and the team net three times, picking up four points in the process - which is some turnaround for the Toffees.

The Latest: Dyche has a section headache

Despite many waiting patiently for the return of Calvert-Lewin to Everton's starting lineup, O'Keeffe stated on the All Together Now podcast that it's not a given he comes straight back into the side when fit.

He said: "What I think is really interesting - and we can talk about his more later in the week - is with Calvert-Lewin possibly coming back into contention for the trip to Stamford Bridge, it sounds ridiculous after all we've talked about for weeks, but it's fitting him back in the team.

"At the moment, as you say, Gray probably should've had a goal, McNeil took his well - let's see, we desperately do need, of course, a focal point, but it's who will make way for him."

The Verdict: Everton need their star striker back

Even if Gray was in the form of his career playing as a central striker, Dyche would surely not opt for him over the experience of Calvert-Lewin to lead the line in a relegation battle.

Calvert-Lewin boasts a far superior record in front of goal in the top flight compared to Gray, while he can clearly cope with the pressure, having scored the goal that ensured Everton avoided the drop last season.

Dyche has clearly been trying to find a long-term solution to Calvert-Lewin's injury woes and doesn't want to rush him back for a few games only to lose him for the remainder of the season, but with the striker now back in training with his teammates, it may not be too long until he's back leading the line.