Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a huge reason why Leeds United are considered one of the favourites to avoid relegation from the 2025/26 Premier League season.
There were doubters when Leeds signed him on a free transfer last summer, as there were question marks over his long-term fitness following a few years of troubling injury problems. However, the Leeds medical team have managed to keep Calvert-Lewin mostly fit this season, and he has not missed any big games due to injuries, which is a huge credit to the people behind the scenes at Elland Road.
But Daniel Farke confirmed that the forward missed the FA Cup win over Norwich City last weekend due to a knee problem, which alarmed the Leeds fans. Calvert-Lewin is a huge player for Leeds, and they need him during the run-in as they look to avoid getting sucked into the bottom three in the last nine league games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin confirms fitness for Crystal Palace
The former Everton striker has now provided an update on his knee problem and claimed that not playing in the FA Cup clash was part of the plan.
He needed the break after back-to-back games in the week, and he will be fit to be in the starting eleven when Leeds take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
“Everything’s good,” Calvert-Lewin said on CBS Sports. “It was always the plan for me to take a little break of a few days after the double gameweek that we’ve just had in the Premier League. So yeah, everything’s going to plan, back in training tomorrow and ready to go.”
Calvert-Lewin rested after double gameweek
Dominic Calvert-Lewin started both defeats against Manchester City and Sunderland in the space of four days, so the FA Cup tie provided a good opportunity to give him a breather.
A minor knee issue meant there was little reason for Leeds to even include the striker in the squad, and he is now expected to be fully fit for the trip to Selhurst Park.
Daniel Farke will be eager for Calvert-Lewin to stay healthy and continue delivering important goals as Leeds aim to move another step closer to Premier League safety.
The Leeds boss does not have another striker of the same level at his disposal. Lukas Nmecha has chipped in at times, but he has yet to replicate the overall quality and presence that the former Everton forward brings to the side.
Leeds cannot afford Calvert-Lewin absence
Calvert-Lewin has scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 26 Premier League appearances this season. He has played 1,941 minutes for Leeds across the campaign. His contribution has been vital to their survival hopes.
Keeping Calvert-Lewin fit for the remainder of the season could prove vital to Leeds’ hopes of staying in the Premier League. The striker’s availability for the Crystal Palace match provides a significant boost as Leeds enter a crucial phase of their relegation battle with just nine league games remaining.
