Everton manager Sean Dyche has admitted that he has a "tough call" to make on Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness ahead of Leeds United's trip to Goodison Park in the Premier League this weekend.
Calvert-Lewin was absent from the Everton squad that lost 2-0 to Liverpool on Monday night. After impressing during the Toffees' 1-0 victory over league-leaders Arsenal, the 25-year-old was ruled out of the Merseyside derby with a hamstring problem.
Youngster Ellis Simms led the line at Anfield in his stead, with former Brighton man Neal Maupay coming on as a substitute in the second-half. Leeds would have been keeping a close eye on the match ahead of Saturday's six-pointer, with the Whites knowing that a win would see them move four points clear of Everton.
READ MORE: Contrasting fortunes for Leeds United's loanees as handful get vital minutes
Calvert-Lewin's injury struggles have been a constant thorn in his side for the past 18 months and given Everton's lack of attacking squad depth following Anthony Gordon's move to Newcastle, Dyche has a difficult decision to make ahead of the weekend.
"He is working diligently," Dyche said when asked about Calvert-Lewin's fitness. "I think he is having an up-and-down time. The challenge we have got is not just to get the injury fit - it is to get him genuinely fit so his body doesn't break down.
"I think I might have to give him extra time for that and actually slow that down to make sure because we don't want a player for one game, we want a player for as many as possible.
“That is going to be the right challenge for me and my staff, to make sure we give him the chance to be really fit if you like - rather than sort of getting him back for the sake of one game. So it is a tough call that one. Hopefully, we will see how it is settling this week.”
READ NEXT:
Sam Allardyce confident he could 'solve' Leeds United's problems amid managerial search
Leeds United left empty-handed after Man United defeat as pressure cranks up ahead of key week
Every word Michael Skubala said on Leeds United's defeat, next manager, Ten Hag words, injuries
Leeds United supporters make plea after Manchester United snatch win at Elland Road
Leeds United and Man United issue joint statement following 'unacceptable' chants at Elland Road
