Credit: Imago

Dr Rajpal Brar

Sat 3 May 2025 7:40, UK

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not yet at 100 per cent in terms of his fitness, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.

The injury expert heard David Moyes providing an update on the England international ahead of Saturday’s game against Ipswich Town.

The striker has been out of action since the 1-0 win against Brighton on 25 January and is a shoo-in to be fit for the game at Goodison Park.

Calvert-Lewin not expected to start another game this season

While Moyes has stated that he has trained and it could be a late fitness test to gauge if he’s ready for the Ipswich clash, it seems unlikely he will start that game or another one this season.

Given how long he’s been ruled out, starting a Premier League game would be risky for him, given where he is in terms of his fitness.

Also, Everton aren’t in a position where they need to risk the 28-year-old as they’re safe from any relegation danger.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Dr Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and a Sports Scientist, said about Calvert-Lewin: “He has returned to full first-team training, which is a huge positive.

“I reckon they’ll want to see how he handles that for at least a week or so.

“That means that it’s out of the question that he starts at the weekend.

“At this point of the season and how long he’s been out, I doubt he starts a match again this season.

“The risk/reward doesn’t make sense to me.“

Everton need to recruit players with better fitness records

Over the years, Everton have signed players who have faced numerous injury issues, leaving the managers few options to pick from.

Then, when they’re not able to deliver the results with a depleted squad, it’s the managers who are thrown under the bus.

There needs to be better due diligence done before making signings and hopefully, The Friedkin Group realise the enormity of the situation.

As for Calvert-Lewin, it’s fair to say that he may never start another game at Goodison Park, given Dr Brar’s assessment.