Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin is missing for Everton vs Liverpool

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is missing for Everton in their Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield tonight.

The striker was brought off after 62 minutes of the 1-0 win over Arsenal last time out with a hamstring issue.

Manager Sean Dyche admitted in his pre-match press conference that Calvert-Lewin was ‘touch and go, at best’ to face Liverpool. The England international has been troubled with various issues over the past 18 months and has suffered another blow.

Coming in to replace the 25-year-old is Ellis Simms. The Toffees academy product enjoyed a successful first half of the season on loan at Championship side Sunderland. Simms scored seven goals in 17 games before being recalled in January.

Explaining his decision to bring Simms into the starting line-up - opposed to the experienced Neal Maupay - Dyche said: “Ellis has a physical presence, he’s got a good energy to his game. For Neal [Maupay] it’s a tight decision, he’s slightly more experienced we know that, but we’ll see how he fares - a young lad, a great occasion for him and go out there and play with freedom!”