Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffers World Cup agony after double injury blow
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been dealt a fresh double injury blow to rub salt into the wound over his World Cup dream, which has been wiped from beneath his feet due to a series of fitness problems that have hampered his involvement at club level. It has now emerged that the 25-year-old dislocated his shoulder in addition to the hamstring injury sustained in the 2-0 Premier League defeat to Leicester at Goodison Park last weekend.
Calvert-Lewin was already well aware that his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar were incredibly slim but after a frustrating 12 months battling various injury problems, this is undoubtedly another cruel twist for the centre-forward.
Following fine early-season form under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton, Calvert-Lewin had established himself as Harry Kane’s deputy for the Three Lions following a scintillating start to his international career in 2020 that saw him net four goals in his opening six caps for his country.
However, a number of notable injuries – including a fractured toe and “freak” knee problem – have kept Calvert-Lewin on the sidelines for significant stretches of recent seasons.
The Toffees frontman had recently looked to put those struggles behind him though having made six straight Premier League appearances under Frank Lampard as he looked to consolidate a late push for Gareth Southgate’s squad.
But now the former Sheffield United youth player is set for a period of recovery during the mid-season break as he seeks to prove his fitness before the return of the Premier League on Boxing Day.
He is expected to see a specialist in the next 24 hours to assess the extent of his shoulder problem that has marred his recent outings for the Toffees.
It’s understood that Calvert-Lewin first picked up the problem in the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle when the joint popped out of its socket before popping back in.
The lanky striker, who was determined to play through the pain barrier, also suffered a recurrence of the injury in the 0-0 draw at Fulham a fortnight ago.
Newcastle talisman Callum Wilson is set to make the 26-man England squad and will provide cover for captain Kane, who has six World Cup goals under his belt.
Ivan Toney was left out of the fold despite being included in Southgate’s recent squad for Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
Marcus Rashford is also poised to be recalled to the international fold following a spell out of the England side.
Leicester’s James Maddison also earned his place on the plane after a rich vein of form at club level with Leicester.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.