Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates with Alex Iwobi after scoring his team's first goal during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on February 10, 2021 in Liverpool, England.
Carlo Ancelotti has said that star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be available for Everton's huge derby clash against Liverpool on Saturday, but Yerry Mina will miss out.
Calvert-Lewin, who has been in imperious form this season, has missed the Toffees' last two matches after picking a hamstring injury in Everton's 5-4 FA Cup victory over Tottenham last week.
Speaking after Everton's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, Ancelotti explained why Allan did not play in the match despite returning from injury, and revealed his optimism around Calvert-Lewin.
“We preferred to give Allan one day training instead of staying on the bench. He trained today and we hope he will be available for Saturday – to start. Also, Calvert-Lewin, I think, can start.”
Calvert-Lewin's return would be a welcome boost for Everton, who are seeking to stop a slump in form that has seen the club lose three of their last five Premier League games.
The talismanic striker's importance to the Toffees is clear, with Calvert-Lewin scoring 13 goals in 20 league games so far this season. His sparkling form has earned him the position of Harry Kane's lead understudy in the England squad.
In his last outing against Spurs, Calvert-Lewin scored once and got two assists, highlighting how central the 23-year-old is to Everton's attacking play beyond just putting the ball in the back of the net.
🤞 | “We preferred to give Allan one day training instead of staying on the bench. We hope he will be available for Saturday – to start.
— Everton (@Everton) February 18, 2021
“Also, Calvert-Lewin, I think, can start.”
However, @MrAncelotti has ruled Yerry Mina out of Saturday's Merseyside derby. #LIVEVE
While Ancelotti offered hope regarding Calvert-Lewin and Allan ahead of the Merseyside derby, he ruled defender Yerry Mina out of the contest. The Colombian was substituted early in the first half against City with a calf problem.
“Yerry Mina, we have to check,” Ancelotti said. “For sure, he will not be available to play against Liverpool.”
