Everton news round-up: Calvert-Lewin surgery update, Lindstrom transfer twist
Everton continue to look towards better times under David Moyes with results taking an upturn since his arrival as manager.
The Blues squad look rejuvenated and with them sitting 10 points above the relegation zone, a battle at the bottom of the table will surely not be causing as much worry as it once was.
A late James Tarkowski goal against Liverpool on Wednesday (12 February) caused scenes of jubilation at Goodison Park to secure a 2-2 draw in the final derby there.
Here, Goodison News rounds up all the news from Merseyside on Thursday.
Tony Bellew takes aim at Arne Slot
Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser against Liverpool caused carnage at Goodison Park.
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goading of the away supporters caused a brawl between both sets of players which resulted in both him and Curtis Jones being shown second yellows.
Arne Slot and his assistant manager then went on to receive red cards for what they said to Michael Oliver after the full-time whistle.
Hearing about the incident live on talkSPORT, Blues fan Tony Bellew hit straight back, saying: “He wants to get a grip of himself. What’s he going on for? Just leave it to the players.”
While it was an energetic end to proceedings on the evening, the Toffees will surely look back on the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison with good memories for years to come.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin injury update
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a slow start to the season, having just one goal to his name by the time Moyes arrived in Merseyside.
However, things looked to be on the turn when he scored in the Blues’ victory against Tottenham in a performance that looked miles above where he had been across the rest of the campaign.
Although, when things looked to be on the up, the striker picked up another injury that has kept him sidelined since the 1-0 victory against Brighton on 25 January.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Dr Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Science shared a positive update: “I reckon the injury is a Grade 3 thigh injury rather than the feared Grade 4 rupture which might have required surgery but it’s not needed now.
“These can take significant time to recover from so the timeline aligns with that.
“He will be ruled out for a few more weeks, at least.“
Not needing surgery will be a massive boost for both the striker and Moyes who will hope to have as many options as possible looking ahead to the end of the remainder of the campaign.
Everton may miss out on Jesper Lindstrom permanent transfer
Jesper Lindstrom joined the Blues on loan from Napoli at the start of the campaign although it took a while for him to get going at Goodison.
Nevertheless, since Moyes’ return to Merseyside, the winger seems to have stepped up his form and could convince the boss that he can make a long-term impact at Everton.
That being said, Jan Molby thinks the £16.6million fee required to gain Lindstrom’s services permanently is not achievable for the Toffees, as he told Tipsbladet (12 February): “Rumors about the purchase price are around £16.6m. I think that is too much for Everton, so my feeling is unfortunately that he will return to Napoli.”
Kevin Thelwell has admitted the Blues can start looking towards better times but the club will have to tread cautiously in the summer transfer window.
Therefore, it is to be seen whether this is a transfer move that the Toffees will make after the conclusion of the current campaign.