Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains unavailable to make his return to first-team action, Sean Dyche indicated today.
The Everton striker has been sidelined since the start of February, having last featured in Dyche’s first game in charge of the club: a 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park.
Suffering from a hamstring injury at present, Calvert-Lewin has completed individual training sessions at Finch Farm but has not yet reached the stage to participate with the full group.
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Calling upon the likes of Demarai Gray and Ellis Simms to lead by example within the final third in the absence of Everton’s No.9, this is a theme that is set to continue as Calvert-Lewin unlikely to be in line to take on Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.
Issuing an update on his squad at his press conference on Thursday afternoon, Dyche told reporters: "Pretty good. Ruben [Vinagre] missed out with a tight Achilles but he is back on the grass training. Dom continues his recovery, Andros [Townsend] a bit more distantly. Some players are just carrying some knocks and bruises but nothing too serious."
Pushed further for the latest on Everton's injured marksman, Dyche added: "It just means it’s continuing on a daily basis, but he is back on the grass."
Setbacks suffered by Calvert-Lewin last year limited the Sheffield-born striker to 17 Premier League appearances, only returning towards the end of the campaign as the Blues continued their battle to avoid relegation.
Opportunities have, too, been limited this term after a knee injury in training ruled him out of the opening eight league fixtures. The forward has made 12 appearances in all competitions in 2022/23, scoring one goal in the process.
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