Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to miss the final day of the season with a hamstring injury in what could be a glimmer of hope for Leeds United.
That is according to the Daily Telegraph, who claim fears are growing Calvert-Lewin will not recover in time for Sunday’s match against Bournemouth with the injury requiring five-weeks to fully recover.
The 26-year-old striker was withdrawn in stoppage time of the first half of the 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend after Nathan Patterson was also substituted early due to injury.
Everton have both Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms in reserve but neither have really been able to fill the void left by Calvert-Lewin this season, who has already missed over half the season due to fitness issues.
Calvert-Lewin injury glimmer of hope for Leeds
Leeds enter the final day needing nothing short of a miracle in order to secure their Premier League status, but this news could provide a slight grain of light.
Calvert-Lewin is crucial to the way Everton play under Dyche and they have struggled this season when he is not in the side.
In fact, the Toffees have won just twice since mid-October in matches Calvert-Lewin has not been involved in, one of which was, of course, against Leeds.
To pull off the impossible, Leeds will need to beat Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on Sunday and hope Everton are beaten by Bournemouth, and West Ham United avoid defeat at Leicester City.
Alternatively, if Everton are able to pick up a point against the Cherries, Leeds must win by at least a three-goal margin, while still hoping West Ham can get something at the King Power.
It is certainly a stretch, but Goodison Park will be riddled with nerves on Sunday and without their key man, you just never know.