Everton 'hopeful' of major injury boost before Liverpool as Sean Dyche set to be without duo

Everton boss Sean Dyche is set to receive a huge injury boost heading into the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on Wednesday. The Toffees will host the Reds at Goodison Park in what could prove to be a crucial clash in the Premier League title race.

Jürgen Klopp's side got back to winning ways last weekend with a 3-1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Liverpool had previously slipped up against Crystal Palace, as the Eagles secured a 1-0 win at Anfield.

Derby day is now fast approaching and with the club currently sitting level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table, it will be one of the more nerve-racking meetings between the two sides. Liverpool fans will have one eye on the title race, while Everton will attempt to stretch the five-point gap on Luton Town in 18th to avoid relegation.

READ MORE: Arne Slot's playing style and what Liverpool fans can expect from top contender to be next manager

READ MORE: How good is Arne Slot? Feyenoord record assessed for leading next Liverpool manager candidate

Speaking ahead of the game during his press conference, Dyche commented on the fitness of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin who missed the recent 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest due to an injury. "He’s [Calvert-Lewin] hopeful he’ll be back," he said. "We will wait and see till tomorrow but hopeful on that one."

The England international has five goals and one assist to his name across 22 starts in the top flight of English football this season. His presence in the squad would be a huge boost to Everton ahead of the clash, given the fact Beto will miss the fixture due to a head injury he picked up last weekend and the concussion protocols. Seamus Coleman is also sidelined.

Liverpool has also been ravaged by injury throughout the entire 2023/24 campaign, with Diogo Jota the latest player to pick up a fresh concern. The Portuguese international only returned from a lengthy knee injury on April 11 but is now set to miss an additional two weeks. Long-term absentees Ben Doak, Joël Matip and Thiago Alcântara will also miss the game.

Liverpool.com says: While Calvert-Lewin is not a ruthless goalscorer, he still provides the biggest threat out of all the Everton players. His return against Liverpool should be monitored closely by the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, though they should be capable of dealing with the former Sheffield United forward.

If Liverpool plays anything close to its best on Wednesday, it will win. But the question is whether the Fulham win was a true turning point during the vital run-in.