Everton

Everton

Premier League • England

Calvert-Lewin suffers injury setback, as Benitez highlights West Ham lesson

Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates against Leeds, August 2021

Rafa Benitez has been dealt a blow after Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a thigh injury.

The England hitman has not featured since August 28 because of a toe and quadriceps problem. But his recovery has not gone smoothly and the Premier League club say he will “remain out for a number of weeks”.

The No.9 blasted 21 goals for Everton last season. He had started this season well too with three goals in three games before fracturing his toe in training.

“Calvert-Lewin will continue to receive specialist treatment and an update on the England international’s fitness will be provided in due course,” said an Everton statement.

Meanwhile, Benitez has urged his players to stay clam.


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Rafa: Don’t panic

The Toffees’ encouraging start to the season was tempered by a first home defeat of the campaign against West Ham. And Benitez’s men were well below their best.

But it was the way Everton reacted to falling behind that has irked the Spanish boss. In two of the three previous home victories Everton had bounced back from conceding first to triumph.

 

“The main thing we learned from the West Ham game is that, even conceding, even in difficult situations against a good team, you have to continue doing things the right way,” he told evertontv.

“Don’t panic, don’t rush and play long balls without controlling the second ball. There we could do better.

“It is not about intensity or commitment or effort. It is about understanding and being precise and sure everybody is ready and concentrated for every game.”

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