Calvert-Lewin a doubt for Leeds ahead of FA Cup clash due to hamstring strain
Calvert-Lewin returned to international action for the first time in five years last Friday in England’s 1-1 Wembley draw against Uruguay
Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is doubtful for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie at West Ham due to a hamstring strain.
Calvert-Lewin, who returned to international action for the first time in five years last Friday in England’s 1-1 Wembley draw against Uruguay, sustained the injury in training for his club on Wednesday.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke said: “Hopefully it’s just a minor problem. He’s had lots of travelling, different circumstances, sometimes it can happen.
“(On Wednesday) in training he felt a little problem with his hamstring and didn’t want to risk anything. (On Thursday) we decided to scan him as a precaution.
“I hope he’s back in team training (on Friday), but we have to assess him. I hope he’s with us for Sunday.”
Calvert-Lewin has scored 10 goals in 28 Premier League appearances this season having arrived in the summer as a free transfer after his contract at Everton expired.
His impressive scoring form – Danny Welbeck is the only English striker to score more top-flight goals this season – and all-round forward play earned him an England recall under head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Farke believes a strong finish to the season could see Calvert-Lewin included in Tuchel’s final squad for this summer’s World Cup.
“It’s the first time in a while he was involved. It will be a big motivation. It was always the plan for him to travel back after the first (England) game,” Farke said.
“He had one or two really good chances, but everything is decided by performances and this is what he has to deliver.
“If he finishes the season strong, hopefully with a few goals, he has the chance and it’s up to Thomas to make the decision.”
Calvert-Lewin aside, Farke is hoping to have a full-strength squad for his side’s trip to the London Stadium, with Sweden defender Gabriel Gudmundsson back in contention after suspension.
Germany midfielder Anton Stach missed a training session this week due to a hip problem, while Noah Okafor and Dan James have also been nursing minor issues, but all three are expected to be in contention.
Leeds, four points above the Premier League relegation zone in 15th place, are bidding to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987.