Marco Silva confirms Dominic Calvert-Lewin injury

Marco Silva has confirmed that striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss Sunday’s trip to Tottenham but has backed the striker to build on the progress he has made this campaign.

The striker picked up a knock in training this week so will sit out the Toffees’ final game of the season at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 22-year-old has established himself as Everton’s first choice central striker in recent months, starting the club’s last 10 matches.

He has only scored two goals in that time, but has earned praise for his workrate and ability to hold up the ball, bringing others into play.

Silva has been impressed with the rapid progress made by the youngster in recent weeks and believes he can improve still further next season.

The Toffees boss also insisted that his injury is only minor and he should be fit to join up with the England Under-21 squad for this summer’s European Championships.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Silva said:

“He can reach a very good level.

“He’s scored seven or eight goals. He wanted to score more because he is a striker but he is still improving.

“Being a striker at Everton is a big task. Everyone is trying to find a striker to score 20+ every season.

“It is what he wants. His improvements are really good.

“What level can he reach? It is up to him to keep working hard.

“He’s enjoying his moment. He’s not able to play the next match but he has a good competition to play during the summer. I think next season Dominic’s numbers will be better for sure.”