Some Everton supporters have been reacting on social media after Marco Silva revealed that three first-team stars are a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
The boss told the assembled media at his press conference on Friday that Dominic Calvert-Lewin picked up a knock during training the week, and confirmed that the striker will be unavailable to face Spurs.
Calvert-Lewin had been holding down the starting striker spot for the last ten Premier League fixtures, in which he scored twice and assisted one goal – which resulted in two wins and one defeat.
“He’s injured at this moment, [so] he’s not able to play the next match,” Silva said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo. “It was a kick in training [on] the first day of the week. Nothing special, but for the next match he will not be available.”
Silva will also have to make-do at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without our joint-leading goalscorer Richarlison, as the Brazilian has been ruled out with the same rib injury that forced the 22-year-old off against Burnley last week.
It had been our 8-cap international’s 38th appearance since joining the club last summer, but he could not continue beyond the 49th minute, with Theo Walcott ushered on as his replacement.
The former Arsenal winger will be at the front of the queue to now fill Richarlison’s void, while Cenk Tosun will likely earn a rare recall to replace Calvert-Lewin.
If Tosun is again ignored, Walcott may be given the reigns to play at striker – a position he played in 26 times for the Gunners, but is yet to tackle in Royal Blue.
As for youth, Ademola Lookman could be in line for just his fourth Premier League start under Silva, while U23 striker Bassala Sambou has scored 11 in 25 appearances this term – six goals more than teammate Fraser Hornby, who has played eight fewer games.
Silva may also have to turn to a more youthful option at right-back, as our head coach noted that Seamus Coleman is a doubt to feature on Sunday as well, as he has a small issue with his groin and will be assessed on Saturday.
When Silva’s injury update was shared on social media, here’s how some of the fanbase reacted…
Ideal chance to get Ellis Simms on the bench ????????
— slugabed180 (@DanWilliams018) May 10, 2019
Would like to see Josh Bowker given 20 mins on Sunday
— Ian Davies (@iankd1960) May 10, 2019
Play Jagielka up top
— ✖️ (@ftbl_jared) May 10, 2019
@C_Hedderick1999 noooooo ????????????
— Liam ???????? (@LiamAbbott_) May 10, 2019
Hahahahahahahaha fantastic
— Connor Hedderick (@C_Hedderick1999) May 10, 2019
The game is of little consequence anyway. I hope it’s Lookman and I’m sure Tosun starts up top then.
— Timmy Mieldezis (@TimmyMieldezis) May 10, 2019
Looks like we’ll be using the Shop Window XI, then. Tosun, Walcott, Lookman, Gana…
— Ankur Mandhania (@amandhania) May 10, 2019
Ild play the young lad up top from u23’s. See what hes got
— Sean Ready (@ready1878) May 10, 2019
Bring simms in
— Dave (@DM_HIGGS) May 10, 2019
No Tosun plz no walcott either
— Aniket Kesarkar (@askEvertonian08) May 10, 2019
That’s alright just play Cenk and Walcott and then Kenny if must be.
— kai (@gotheroos29) May 10, 2019