Everton are set to be without Dominic Calert-Lewin for this weekend’s game against Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
The 25-year-old has been restricted to 30 appearances over the past two seasons by a variety of injury problems and his absence has been sorely felt, with Everton failing to sign a goalscorer last summer or in January.
Calvert-Lewin missed the recent Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, and was also absent for his side’s 1-0 win over Leeds United last time out. And now the forward is set to miss Saturday’s crucial game with Villa, but Dyche is hopeful the England international will be able to return shortly.
READ MORE: Steven Defour opens up on private Onana talks and busts myth over Sean Dyche
READ MORE: Everton and Leeds United hit with FA charge after Goodison Park 'mass confrontation'
"I think he's building up well. He's on the grass - he's not with us [in full training] yet but that will come quite quickly, I think," Dyche revealed.
"Like I said, with human bodies there's no absolute definite but our intention is to get him as fit as possible so we can hopefully break this spell of ins and outs and ups and downs with injuries.
"That's what we're hoping to do, whilst also making sure we have him back as quick as possible because we want all players - not just him - available."
Dyche also revealed that Nathan Patterson has since suffered a minor issue, which has prevented him from training with the full group this week but says the pair are closing in on a return. However, there was better news for Blues supporters, with Dyche confirming that Amadou Onana is available for selection after limping off against Leeds last weekend.
And on Andros Townsend's rehabilitation from an ACL injury, Dyche added: "His knee still needs a bit of care and a bit of time, with the workload on it.
"It's about finding that balance but he's going okay. We've just got to make sure that it's right.
"He's been through a lot but it's settling down and it's beginning to get that workload that he needs, obviously, to get it stronger, but he's not there yet."
READ NEXT
Steven Defour opens up on private Onana talks and busts myth over Sean Dyche
Everton and Leeds United hit with FA charge after Goodison Park 'mass confrontation'
Sean Coleman makes honest Everton admission and sends relegation plea to fans
Jordan Pickford close to signing new contract in huge boost for Everton
