Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a doubt for Everton v Southampton with Richarlison a certain absentee
Everton talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin is an injury doubt for next weekend’s Premier League opener versus Southampton at Goodison Park, according to The Athletic.
The 24-year-old England international struck 16 times in the top-flight last season to book his place in the Three Lions squad that advanced to the final of the European Championship.
However, his return to the Everton side has been hampered by injury since he returned to training last Monday, and he missed Saturday’s 4-0 friendly defeat to Manchester United.
The Blues could be forced to start the official campaign next Saturday without their fearsome front two, with Richarlison only completing international duties at the Olympic Games with Brazil yesterday.
Greg O’Keeffe wrote on The Athletic website on Sunday [08/08/21]: “Richarlison will now get some rest and time to admire his gold medal after his second competition of a busy summer is over.
“He will certainly miss that opener against Southampton, while Calvert-Lewin’s chances of involvement remain to be seen as he tries to recover from a foot injury.”
Selection headache
This all leaves Rafa Benitez with a few dilemmas as he plots his first Premier League line-up as Blues boss.
The loss of Richarlison will have been expected for some weeks now, as soon as permission was granted for the 24-year-old to prolong his international commitments after the Copa America.
It all depended on Brazil reaching the final, but Benitez will have realised that was a more than realistic probability given the strength of their squad compared to others at the Olympic Games.
However, he would have been expecting to count on Calvert-Lewin for the visit of Southampton, especially given the striker’s lack of game time under Gareth Southgate at the Euros.
As it is, the Blues could be forced into a reshuffle.
Moise Kean remains contracted to the club and began pre-season in the striking role, while new signing Demarai Gray has been used in the middle recently.
Perhaps a false nine with James Rodriguez may even be employed.
It’s certainly not the most ideal of preparations for Benitez going into his maiden campaign as Everton manager.
In other Everton news, the Blues want to sign this 2020/21 European title winner who was at Real Madrid under Rafa Benitez.
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