Carlo Ancelotti confirms Dominic Calvert-Lewin can start for Everton against Liverpool

The Toffees have lost three of the last five, while the Reds have lost three on the spin

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Everton have been given a boost by the news that striker and top goalscorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit to face Merseyside rivals Liverpool at the weekend.

The 23-year-old has hit 18 goals in all competitions this season, but missed the Toffees’ last two games - defeats to Fulham and, on Wednesday night, Manchester City - through a hamstring injury.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s derby, though, manager Carlo Ancelotti said his forward should be ready to return to lead the line, as well as Brazilian midfielder Allan, who has been out since mid-December.

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“We preferred to give Allan one day training instead of staying on the bench,” he said.

“He trained today and we hope he will be available for Saturday – to start. Also, Calvert-Lewin, I think, can start.”

Both players’ recoveries will be a big boost for Everton, who head into the weekend one place and three points behind the Reds in the Premier League table - but with a game in hand.

Neither side have been in good form domestically, with the blue half of the city earning just one win in their last six league matches, taking five points across that run of games.

Liverpool have won just two and lost four of their own last six - but bounced back to winning ways in midweek, beating RB Leipzig in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.

The first Merseyside derby of the season ended in a 2-2 draw, with Calvert-Lewin netting Everton’s equaliser in the closing stages to earn a point.

That game was also notable for Richarlison seeing a red card for a bad tackle on Thiago, while Virgil van Dijk’s season was ended by an ACL injury after Jordan Pickford’s poor challenge.