Everton’s injury stricken Dominic Calvert-Lewin will spend the international break in the Middle East as an attempt to speed up his recovery.
Everton’s main downfall this season has been their lack of potency in front of goal and the continued injury woes for Calvert-Lewin have been a huge factor in that.
Back in August 2023, the England international converted a penalty away at Brighton and Hove Albion to clinch a 2-0 win. However, he was unable to finish the match as he hobbled off moments after sealing a victory that moved the Toffee’s into the European places. Ever since, things haven’t been the same for both Everton and their Sheffield-born striker.
Sean Dyche has been cautious about bringing the number nine back into the team despite the Toffee’s poor goal return. The former Burnley boss said: “We are still monitoring the situation. We’re being careful. He’s being careful with his body to try and give him every opportunity.
“We are trying to get him to be as strong as he was two years ago as well as get him back to that statistical level. There’s nothing other than me just wanting to get him out there training every day and feel good about that. That’s the best start point.”
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has flown out to Dubai for warm weather training. Calvert-Lewin has travelled with his personal physio, as he bids to return to full fitness after the international break 🔵
— The Bobble (@ElBobble) March 22, 2023
Calvert-Lewin has only played 62 minutes since the new manager came into the club and that was in Dyche’s 1-0 debut win against Arsenal. Despite not being able to get on the scoresheet that day or last the full match, the striker played a pivotal role in the victory, staring as a the focal point in Dyche’s system.
Everton have tried five other players in the lone striker role this season in Calvert-Lewin’s absence. Winger Anthony Gordon, had slotted into that position before he moved to Newscatle in January. Neal Maupay has looked too light up top to be considered every week. Tom Cannon was brought in from Paul Tait’s under 23’s side on a few occasions but has since gone out on loan to Preston North End. Ellis Simms was recalled from his decent loan spell at Sunderland where he scored seven goals and managed to earn the Blues a point late away at Chelsea. Demarai Gray has started the last three matches and produced some impressive performances, scoring a penalty against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Since Dyche was appointed, Everton have become the sixth most in-form side in the Premier League. But with every victory ending in a 1-0 scoreline, the coaching staff are waiting in anticipation for a fully fit Calvert-Lewin to return from Dubai to hopefully improve their luck in front of goal.
All sorts of approaches have been attempted in a bid to get the England international back to his best. Former Head of Sports Science Daniel Donachie lost his job when Rafa Benitez came in due to the high number of players in the treatment room.
Even recently, Dyche announced he would launch an investigation into the player’s lifestyle which even included checking the mattress he sleeps on.
The recurring injuries have taken away his title of being Everton’s main goal threat. With just one goal involvement all season, the medical team have a job on their hands if they want him to make an impact this campaign.
