Arsenal have the opportunity to extend their lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table when they host Everton on Wednesday evening. Originally scheduled to be played in September, the clash was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
A lot has changed since the pair were first intended to meet, not least the man in the visiting dugout. This will be the fifth outing for new Toffees manager Sean Dyche, with his first game at the helm being a 1-0 win against the Gunners at Goodison Park at the start of February.
However, one of the key starters for Everton that day is likely to be on the sidelines for the reverse fixture. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose season has been blighted with injuries, has not taken to the pitch since being forced off just past the hour mark in that previous meeting.
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As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Dyche responded to questions about the striker’s ongoing rehabilitation on Monday afternoon. "He's recovering," Dyche said before adding there is no timescale as to his return. In Calvert-Lewin’s absence, Everton have turned to both Ellis Simms and Neal Maupay to fill the void, with neither providing a goal in the subsequent three games.
Goals have been in short supply throughout the season for Everton, having scored a league low of 17 from 24 matches. Calvert-Lewin has only been fit enough to appear in 11 of those games, and Mikel Arteta’s side will be relieved not to have to face him this week.
The 25-year-old looks set to join three other Everton stars on the sidelines at the Emirates Stadium. Midfielder James Garner and defender Nathan Patterson were both involved in an Everton U21s match last week, but the trip to north London comes too soon for both to make their returns to first-team action.
"They've been out a while, so they both need games,” Dyche added. “Jimmy's going well, he's getting fitter and stronger.
“There's another game this week, so we'll probably get him in that one, then we can probably say after three months out he's classed as fit, if you like. He's going well. Patto's just a bit behind, so he'll need a bit more than that."
Meanwhile, winger Andros Townsend has been out for almost a year with an ACL injury, and requires further time to ensure he makes a full recovery. He bagged seven times in 27 matches last season before his long-term setback.
As for Arsenal, Arteta revealed Thomas Partey “hasn’t trained much but looks like he could be available” for the Gunners’ clash with Everton. Emile Smith Rowe could also return while Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny remain out.
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