Leeds United have been warned that Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness remains suspect, despite how good he has looked since joining the club last year.
Calvert-Lewin scored 14 goals in his first season at Leeds and played a huge part in helping the Whites comfortably survive in the Premier League.
He has made a solid start to the Premier League season this year as well and remains the most important forward in Daniel Farke’s squad.
However, fitness concerns loomed ahead of Leeds’ 0-0 draw against Sunderland on Sunday, and while he played, questions remain.
Read More: Sunderland legend fires blunt warning at two Leeds stars after goalless draw: “Take responsibility”
Fresh concerns raised about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness does not think Calvert-Lewin will leave Leeds any time soon, despite interest from other clubs.
However, he is unsure whether the forward’s hamstring has fully healed after his injury struggles over his last couple of seasons at Everton.
“I don’t think so [no plans to leave]. I think Dominic is enjoying it because they’ve got the system set up to feed him and he’s showing it with the goals he’s putting in”, he said on Football Insider.
“Look, I’ve always been a fan of Dominic; I’ve always liked him. I wish he’d stayed at Everton. I put my cards on the table. But obviously, he’s in Leeds. But I don’t think he’ll be ready to go.
“I think there’ll always be that question mark as well about his hamstring and how strong it is at the moment. Is it really repaired properly?
“I really hope it is because a fit Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a very, very talented striker and I think he’s enjoying it at Leeds. He’s being adored by the fanbase, so, no, I don’t see him going anywhere.”
Read More: Steven Gerrard makes feelings clear on Leeds ace on The Overlap: “Never a doubt”
Leeds need to sign a striker
The Whites can’t keep putting so much responsibility on Calvert-Lewin to deliver goals. The striker has become a crucial figure in Daniel Farke’s attack, but relying on one player to carry the burden across a demanding Premier League season is asking for trouble.
If Calvert-Lewin gets injured or dips in form, Leeds have precious little cover. Lukas Nmecha is the obvious alternative, but he is hardly a dependable long-term solution, particularly with uncertainty surrounding his future and his desire to leave.
That leaves Leeds dangerously short of options in a position that can make or break their season. They need another striker who can compete for a starting spot, provide genuine competition and contribute goals in his own right.
January recruitment must address that weakness before it becomes a crisis.
You can say this about any player on a pitch no matter who he plays for.