Dominic Calvert-Lewin set to return to ball work training this week

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to start training with the ball this week, according to El Bobble.

Given the seriousness of his injury, the Toffees’ medical staff are reluctant over setting a timeline on his return.

The reliable Everton insider – followed on Twitter by The Times journalist Paul Joyce – posted the update on their account late on Tuesday evening.

Everton

They said: “Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to return to ball work training this week.

“However, Everton’s medical staff remain reluctant to put a date on the striker’s return, due to the severity of his injury.”

Good news still

Rafa Benitez could do with the England international, 24, for the trip to Manchester City, and while that is impossible, he will be hoping the hitman returns to action sooner rather than later.

Having scored three goals in his opening three Premier League games of the campaign, DCL started the season on the front foot in the race for the Golden Boot and would have been inching close to double figures by now had he not been injured.

The knock is taking longer than expected to heal, but with him working with the ball again at Finch Farm, he could be nearing full fitness.

Everton

Unsurprisingly, Everton have struggled in front of goal in his absence, winning just two of the eight games he has missed, drawing twice and losing the remaining four.

Salomon Rondon and Richarlison have led the line in his absence, while Cenk Tosun is available as an option off the bench, but none of them can replicate the performances of the Englishman on the pitch.

With the Toffees set to get busier ahead of the festive season, they need goals to turn their fortunes around, and they cannot wait to have DCL back.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.

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