‘Gradually’: Frank Lampard suggests he could be about to start using 25-year-old Everton player more often

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton manager Frank Lampard has suggested he could be about to start playing forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin more.

Lampard was speaking to the press, via Everton’s official social media, ahead of their match against Newcastle tomorrow.

The Toffees have struggled in front of goal this season, having only scored eight times in the Premier League.

The absence of Calvert-Lewin has been a massive loss for Lampard, after he picked up a knee injury in pre-season.

Calvert-Lewin was attracting interest from Newcastle before his injury blow, but the Magpies opted instead to sign Alexander Isak.

The 25-year-old’s fitness record might have played a part in that decision, but Isak has now also picked up a long-term injury.

Lampard will be delighted that Calvert-Lewin is close to being able to start playing more this season.

Calvert-Lewin will start playing more – Lampard

Lampard was speaking about Everton’s number nine ahead of their trip to Newcastle.

“We’ve got to be careful with Dominic coming back in terms of training, making sure we gradually bring him in, but as quick as possible,” Lampard said.

“It’s a fine balance that one.

“We’re certainly getting to the stage where we’ve got two games in three days now coming up, and hopefully we can get more minutes out of him.”

Calvert-Lewin has only played 34 minutes of football this season, coming off the bench against Manchester United and Tottenham.

Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon are Everton’s current top scorers this season, with two goals apiece.

Lampard’s squad are trying to fill the gap left by last season’s top scorer Richarlison leaving in the summer.

The return of Calvert-Lewin to full fitness is going to be vital to this.

However, the 25-year-old’s injury record has been worrying since the start of last year.

Calvert-Lewin has missed nearly 30 Everton matches in the past two seasons.

Lampard will be very wary of rushing Calvert-Lewin back, and the signing of Neal Maupay should put less pressure on the England international.

Once he does return, it will be a real boost to Everton to see Calvert-Lewin starting to play more.