Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin faces ‘big moment’ ahead of Southampton clash
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is facing a “big moment” ahead of the Toffees’ next Premier League clash against Southampton, as per Dean Jones.
The England striker hasn’t yet played a single minute in the Premier League due to injury, but he could return for a trip to St Mary’s on Saturday.
Jones, who previously worked for Bleacher Report, suggests that Calvert-Lewin will have to be careful with his fitness, as another injury would be “truly gutting”.
“It’s a really big moment for Calvert-Lewin,” said Jones while speaking to Give Me Sport.
“He’s missed something like 24 games over the past year or so with injuries. He’s only scored a couple of goals since Lampard actually arrived at Everton, so Lampard needs him to get fit and then to stay fit.
“But at the same time, he’s going have to be really careful about how he manages his game-time and doesn’t risk a setback because that would be truly gutting for Everton and the player.”
Crucial phase
Calvert-Lewin is a key player for the club, but he missed a lot of action last season. When he finally returned from injury, he looked like a completely different player.
He was lacking physical sharpness and looked completely out of form. He managed only 18 games in all competitions, scoring just five goals.
He has a strong pre-season but picked up a knee injury prior to the new season which kept him out of action all this time.
The 25-year-old striker has returned to full fitness, and as per Liverpool Echo (22 September), he could make his first outing of the campaign at Southampton this weekend.
Everton will have to be really cautious with Calvert-Lewin, considering the number of games he has missed over the last 14 months.
Neal Maupay remains another option for Frank Lampard. The Toffees registered their first Premier League win of the season prior to the international break when they defeated West Ham at Goodison Park.