CALVERT-LEWIN TO RETURN AGAINST BRIGHTON

Everton are expected to welcome star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin back to their squad ahead of the home clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year's Day after he won his battle against a troublesome thigh injury. Dominic Calvert-Lewin could have made his comeback during the Newcastle United clash on Thursday night only for the game to be postponed due to Covid-19 cases at the instance of the away team. Newcastle United made the request for the postponement and it was approved by the Premier League board.

Calvert-Lewin has been missing in action for Everton since the third week of the season due to a thigh problem. The England international suffered a setback on two occasions while trying to recover from the injury. The injury was a big blow to the Englishman after a very good start to the season.

The ex-Sheffield United player began the current Premier League season with a goal as Everton came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at home on the opening day of the season. Calvert-Lewin was on target for the Toffees alongside French midfielder AbdoulayeDoucoure and Brazil international Richarlison, while Adam Armstrong scored for the Saints on his debut for the away team.

For the second game of this Premier League season, Calvert-Lewin scored one of the two Everton goals as they were forced to a 2-2 draw by host team Leeds United. Apart from Calvert-Lewin, English winger Demarai Gray also scored for the Merseysiders during the game with the Whites. The Brighton game away from home was the third of the season for Everton and it turned out to be the last game for Calvert-Lewin for several weeks. The England national team player scored one of the goals as Everton secured a 2-0 win at the expense of home team Brighton. Calvert-Lewin has three goals in three league games this season.