Cenk Tosun: the £27 million Everton forgotten man who looks set to be involved against Wolves

Rafa Benitez has had a dearth of attacking options available to him in recent weeks.

Everton have been threadbare at the top end of the pitch due to injuries.

Limited numbers

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison were out simultaneously for five games before the latter returned off the bench in the dismal 5-2 loss to Watford last weekend.

Calvert-Lewin remains absent with a quad problem and a date for his return is still unknown.

Alex Iwobi also had a spell on the sidelines, while Abdoulaye Doucoure - who's recorded two goals and four assists this season - is out of action with a foot issue.

As a consequence, there have been limited forwards on the bench for Benitez to select from in some games.

The Everton boss, therefore, has been forced to use teenager Lewis Dobbin as a substitute twice. Youngster Ellis Simms has also featured in three match-day squads.

To have Richarlison back and available potentially from the start for tonight's trip to Wolves is a huge boost.

Salomon Rondon has struggled since his summer transfer deadline day arrival, having failed to score in seven appearances.

Out of the periphery

And at Molineux, there could also be the return of a forgotten man - Cenk Tosun.

The striker has had a difficult time at Goodison Park since his reported £27 million move from Besiktas in January 2018.

In total, the Turkey international has played a total of 58 games for the Toffees, netting 11 goals.

What’s more, Tosun's been dreadfully unlucky during two loan spells in a bid to reignite his career.

He moved to Crystal Palace in January 2020 and bagged one goal in five games before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Then after returning to Besiktas 12 months later, Tosun sustained a similar problem that's sidelined him since.

That setback came after a blistering start, scoring three league goals in as many outings for the Turkish club.

Big hint

Tosun's not been involved in a match-day squad for Everton this season as he’s firstly been working towards making a full recovery and then building his fitness.

Over the weekend, however, the 30-year-old was snapped training with Benitez's troops at Finch Farm - and with a smile on his face.

Now Tosun has dropped a big hint on his Instagram story that he'll be involved against Bruno Lage's outfit.

Ironically, the last time Tosun was on the bench for Everton was in last season’s 2-1 win at Wolves on January 12.

His previous Toffees outing came five days earlier in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat of Rotherham in extra-time.

What does the future hold?

The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward doesn't appear to have a future with Everton beyond the season.

With his contract expiring in the summer, he's been heavily linked with rejoining Besiktas on a permanent basis.

That might be the case but with Calvert-Lewin sidelined, Benitez will at least have the luxury of another senior striker select from if required.