Calvert-Lewin ruled out of Everton clash v Man City
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will not be available to face Manchester City when the two sides clash on Wednesday evening.
The prolific forward was substituted with a hamstring issue shortly before the hour mark in the Toffees’ 5-4 victory over Tottenham last Wednesday. Ancelotti had told BBC Sport after the game that he hoped Calvert-Lewin would be passed fit to face the Citizens.
However, Everton will now be without their top goalscorer against the league leaders when Pep Guardiola brings his side to Goodison Park.
When asked in his pre-match conference about whether the 23-year old would be fit to play, Ancelotti was shown by Everton’s official Twitter account as saying: “Not available for sure.”
However, the Italian coach did confirm that Allan and Jordan Pickford would both be in the frame to return to Premier League action.
Opportunities not taken
Everton could now be left ruing their inability to capitalise against Fulham at the weekend, now that they’re set to face one of the league’s most in-form sides without their primary goal threat.
After rescuing a point from the jaws of defeat against Manchester United last week, and somehow putting five goals past Tottenham in the FA Cup, it shouldn’t be a stretch to imagine Everton’s game against Fulham being a cakewalk.
However, after losing that fixture Everton now face added pressure ahead of their next few fixtures, especially if they wish to remain with the pack in the race for European qualification.
On the plus side, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed (as reported by the Associated Press) that free-scoring midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to miss the game at Goodison Park on Wednesday, however playmaking maestro Kevin De Bruyne could be set to return.
Everton will likely have their work cut out for them, while Ancelotti will likely demand a reaction after their disappointing performance against the Cottagers.
In other Everton news, several Everton fans have blasted Andre Gomes following his individual performance against Fulham.