Dominic Calvert-Lewin may have already played his final game for Everton after being forced off injured once again in the 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
The England international has missed a large chunk of the last two seasons through injury, but had started each of the Toffees last five games including Sunday’s game at Goodison Park (14 May).
But the 26-year-old only managed to make it to half-time before being forced off with a groin problem, with Sean Dyche admitting he had to overrule the striker by making a decision to substitute him.
“I had to make a call on it because he (DCL) felt his groin,” he said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“It’s a tight groin but tight groins can lead to damaged groins so I had to make a call on it, simple as that.
“It would have been a harder call if it had been 0-0 but at 2-0 I have to make a call and I said, ‘Right Dom, you’re coming off.’ He wanted to give it a go and I said, ‘No, no, no, you’ve got to come off’.”
The defeat means Everton are just one point above the relegation zone with two games to play, against Wolves at Molineux before hosting Bournemouth on the final day at Goodison Park.
But judging by the history of Calvert-Lewin’s injury issues, the chances of him returning within a two-week period after being forced off are slim.
Add to the fact that Dyche has been super careful not to risk his fitness, the chances of him being completely 100% fit in that time frame are even slimmer.
If Everton are relegated this season then it seems almost impossible that they will be able to keep Calvert-Lewin at the club considering the previous transfer interest in him and his wages.
But even if the club are able to stay up and keep their Premier League status, the facts are that Everton need money and he remains one of the biggest assets the club have.
Regardless of the outcome of this relegation battle, barring a miracle return in the next two weeks it could well be true that we have already seen the last of Calvert-Lewin in an Everton shirt.
