Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness for Everton's season opener against Chelsea is being assessed after he picked up a knock in training.
The 25-year-old scored his first goal of pre-season in a lively performance against Dynamo Kyiv on Friday - sparking optimism he would start the campaign fully fit. He had been left out of the previous friendly, the 4-2 win at Blackpool, as a precaution.
But after suffering an issue in training he could now miss the first game of the season, with staff at Finch Farm working to understand the extent of his injury.
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Calvert-Lewin suffered an injury-plagued campaign last year following a promising start in which he scored in each of the opening three games of the season. He returned to play a key role in the final games of the relegation battle, scoring in the defeat to Brentford before producing the thumping diving header against Crystal Palace that secured Everton's Premier League survival.
There are high hopes in his ability to lead the Blues' forward line this season. Fitness staff at the club were impressed in the condition he returned for pre-season in and he started both tour games in the US before being left out for the trip to Bloomfield Road. While Calvert-Lewin is crucial to Everton's season, his form and availability over the opening months of the campaign will also be key to his chances of returning to the England squad for the World Cup, which starts in November.
Should Calvert-Lewin miss the Chelsea match it would leave Everton without a recognised first-team striker. Salomon Rondon is suspended for the game following the red card he received against Brentford last season.
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