Early Everton team news v Manchester City, Dominic Calvert-Lewin update – Injury Expert
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a 50/50 doubt to face Manchester City on New Year’s Eve after continuing his recovery from a thigh problem, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.
Frank Lampard’s side faces a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium following their 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day, and the Toffees boss could be without four players due to injury.
Yerry Mina was forced off against Julien Lopetegui’s side with a cramp issue and is “currently being assessed,” according to Dinnery, while Andros Townsend remains out with “no return date” yet known.
James Garner is continuing his rehab from his lower back injury, and there is no change on his February return date, but Lampard has been boosted by the availability of Conor Coady – who was ineligible to face his parent club on Boxing Day.
The big talking point for Toffees supporters is the return of talismanic striker Calvert-Lewin, who could “potentially return” in time for the trip to the Premier League champions. The 25-year-old remains at “50%” status.
Calvert-Lewin crucial
The potential return of Calvert-Lewin will leave fans keeping their fingers crossed as they face their most daunting trip of the Premier League season to date.
After losing to bottom-of-the-table Wolves after Christmas, a bounce-back is needed from Lampard’s side, and any chance they hold probably hangs on the rehab of the English forward.
On his day, the Everton ace can terrorise defences with his physical attributes and his aerial ability from set-pieces. Without Calvert-Lewin, the Toffees looked a little one-dimensional in attack and didn’t pose any threat from open play to a pretty ordinary Wolves side.
Against a high-flying City side who beat Leeds 3-1 on Wednesday evening (28 December), Lampard will need his whole squad to pull together as he looks to pull a rabbit out of the hat and spring a surprise against Guardiola.
The return of Coady will be a huge boost to the Toffees’ back-line, and his experience alongside James Tarkowski will be put to the test against a star-studded City attack.