Everton faces a challenging period with significant injury troubles and uncertainty surrounding key players. Armando Broja will stay at the club due to an injury, ruling out any potential return to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin's future remains unclear with his contract expiring at the end of the season and a recent hamstring injury adding to the club's woes. These setbacks come at a critical time as Everton's forward line is already depleted, with Youssef Chermiti also sidelined.
In their recent 1-0 victory over Brighton, Everton managed an expected goals total of just 0.85, with Iliman Ndiaye's penalty contributing 0.78 of that figure. This highlights the team's ongoing struggles in front of goal, a concern further exacerbated by Calvert-Lewin's prolonged injury issues. Once prolific under Carlo Ancelotti, scoring 29 goals, Calvert-Lewin has been unable to replicate that form due to persistent injuries over the past three years.
Mangala's absence compounds Everton's problems, having sustained an ACL injury against Brighton. Ben Grounds from Sky Sports emphasized the impact of Mangala's absence:
"The reality is that Orel Mangala's absence over the coming months will be felt every bit as much. The Belgium international had to be patient in becoming a regular starter under Sean Dyche but the blossoming relationship being formed alongside Idrissa Gueye certainly has not gone unnoticed by supporters." – Sky Sports' Ben Grounds
Calvert-Lewin's recent hamstring injury, sustained in the same match, adds to the growing list of sidelined players and leaves Everton with limited attacking options. Dwight McNeil is currently recovering from a knee injury, and Tim Iroegbunam is on the mend from a foot problem. James Garner, who has recently returned from his own spell on the sidelines, will need to swiftly integrate back into the team.
Amid these challenges, Everton might explore signing a new striker before the transfer window closes. Ben Grounds from Sky Sports noted:
"The focus will inevitably be on the urgency for Everton to sign a striker in the final few days of the transfer window." – Sky Sports' Ben Grounds
Calvert-Lewin's situation further complicates matters for Everton. His contract expiration looms at the end of the season, and his recent injury raises doubts about his long-term role at the club. As Grounds suggested:
"For Calvert-Lewin, the news comes as a huge blow. It was a summer's day in August 2021 when he strode forward and dispatched the penalty which secured Everton's first win at the Amex Stadium." – Sky Sports' Ben Grounds
With Broja unavailable for a Chelsea return and Chermiti also injured, Everton's forward roster remains thin. The club must address these challenges promptly, potentially turning temporary solutions into permanent ones. Grounds mentioned:
"Given his importance, it would be surprising if Everton did not look to turn that loan deal into a permanent signing from Lyon in the summer but for now he holds a vital loan space that could provide the key to any late dealings in this window." – Sky Sports' Ben Grounds
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