Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is edging closer to a return after featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Chester at Finch Farm.
Calvert-Lewin has spent 12 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, which he sustained during Everton's 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sean Dyche's debut in February.
The 26-year-old played 70 minutes against Chester, but was unable to score as the Toffees lost 1-0 to the sixth-tier outfit.
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The Blues' side also featured the likes of Conor Coady, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate, Nathan Patterson, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies and Ellis Simms.
Toffees boss Sean Dyche confirmed on Thursday that the friendly was arranged with Calvert-Lewin in mind.
“He’ll certainly be in the thinking without a doubt," said Dyche. "The game the other day was all about him really. We got some other minutes into players but it was basically for the end of a rehab period so we’re very pleased that he came through that and felt good.”
Everton are the joint-lowest goal scorers in the Premier League (24 goals scored) this season, and Calvert-Lewin's return will be a very welcome boost.
Leeds United sit just two points above Everton, who are only separated by the bottom three on goal difference. It is not clear whether Calvert-Lewin will be available for the Toffees' trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.
Calvert-Lewin has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, and has scored just once in 12 appearances across all competitions during the current campaign.
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