The Athletic writer Greg O’Keeffe has claimed that Everton are unlikely to ‘risk’ rushing Dominic Calvert-Lewin back for the Burnley game.
On Boxing Day, the Toffees are set to travel away to Turf Moor for their upcoming Premier League clash. With the Clarets in the relegation zone, but only four places behind Everton, this represents an important game for both teams.
With that in mind, there could be a temptation to put England striker Calvert-Lewin back into the team. However, while speaking on the All Together Now Everton podcast, O’Keeffe claimed that the game may come ‘a bit soon’ for the forward and so it would be a risk to play him.
Should Everton play Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Burnley
Yes
No
The journalist said: “We did well, didn’t we, against Burnley earlier in the season. I think there’s absolutely no reason why we can’t do so again.
“It might come a bit soon for Calvert-Lewin, you know, maybe. The last thing they’re gonna do is risk him at this stage, isn’t it?”
TIF Thoughts on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Everton…
Unfortunately, this has been a season heavily disrupted for Calvert-Lewin up to this point. Indeed, a fractured toe has kept him out of action ever since the third league game of the season.
The striker had scored three goals in those three games, so his value to the team is clear to see. Without him, it’s fair to say the Toffees have struggled – picking up 19 points from 17 games, languishing in 14th spot as a result.
Taking all that into account, it’s easy to understand why Everton will not want to see their key man suffer any unnecessary setbacks as he looks to regain full fitness.
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