Everton boss Sean Dyche has now provided a fitness update on forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old forward is ‘in good shape’ according to Dyche and could be in contention to feature at Villa Park.
Speaking at his press conference and reported via the club’s official YouTube channel, Sean Dyche said of DCL: “On his side, he’s in good shape. He managed to get the end part of his rehab done with 90 minutes and is in good shape and certainly comes into the subject of thinking.”
Calvert-Lewin played 90 minutes in a behind closed doors fixture against Manchester United earlier this week, earning himself some valuable minutes on the pitch.
Having played just 90 minutes of pre-season football in total, with 45 minutes apiece against AC Monza and Sporting CP, the centre-forward was left out of the squad for last week’s Premier League opener against Fulham.
Everton created a plethora of chances against Marco Silva’s side but couldn’t find the back of the net with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Neal Maupay and Nathan Patterson all guilty of wastefulness in front of goal.
Calvert-Lewin’s contention for Sunday’s game will no doubt be an enormous boost for Sean Dyche, especially as Everton are yet to recruit a much-needed centre-forward.
The 19-year-old Youssef Chermiti joined in a £15m deal from Sporting CP, though the teenager is raw and inexperienced and while he could be a very decent signing, he may not necessarily be the immediate answer to the club’s goalscoring woes.
Reports in the news today state that the Toffees have launched a £12m bid for Southampton striker Che Adams, who could be Sean Dyche’s fifth signing of the summer.
A fit and firing DCL for Sunday’s game would be a big boost, however last season’s top scorer Dwight McNeil remains sidelined for the trip to the Midlands.
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