Everton boss Sean Dyche reveals potential injury blow set to benefit Leeds United survival bid

The Toffees’ manager explained the thinking behind his decision to bring in-form striker Calvert-Lewin off after just 45 minutes at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon. The 26-year-old has missed much of this season with separate knee and hamstring injuries, only returning to the field as recently as Everton’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at the end of last month.

Since then, the four-goal England man has started each of the Toffees’ fixtures, scoring once and assisting on one occasion, too. His overall impact on the team, however, has been substantial due to Everton’s lack of an alternative target man in attack.

"Dom had a tight groin and because of his history we had to get him off,” Dyche said following his side’s 3-0 defeat by the league leaders.

"We'll have to wait and see but the hope is he came off before damage was done," he added.

If Calvert-Lewin has suffered a groin strain, it is possible he will be absent for Everton’s two remaining fixtures this season, which would certainly be a boost to Leeds’ chances of Premier League survival.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers and already-relegated Southampton have scored fewer than the Merseyside club throughout 2022/23.

Leeds are one point and one place below Everton in the table after 36 matches. The Whites take on West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur to finish their campaign, while Everton visit Wolves then host AFC Bournemouth on the final day.