Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffers another injury setback as confidence issues laid bare
Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered another injury setback that will keep him out of action for at least another week, according to MailSport.
Calvert-Lewin has had a torrid time with injuries in recent months and was hoping to be back for the start of the 2022/2023 campaign, but will now be held out of the Southampton clash too.
However, the forward was injured on the eve of the campaign and Frank Lampard has now admitted that the 25-year-old may have a “confidence issue”.
Speaking to MailSport, Lampard suggested that the 25-year-old Everton forward is well within his rights to have confidence issues after the injury problems he has suffered.
“I haven’t spoken to him about a confidence issue,” said Lampard.
“But, if there was, it would be completely understandable off the back of a few injuries if he felt like that.
“Communication is key. I know what players are like – you tell the manager you are fine because you want back in.
“I think what have come to is a very open conversation between myself, Dominic and the medical department to make sure we get him in the best possible nick because it is a long season. I don’t want to bring him back too early.
“It’s more making sure that Dominic is in the best condition. We have had a look at his plan and looked at some of his training to make sure he is in the best possible shape. I need to think is he ready to start again, should he be coming on.”
Same old.
It’s becoming the same old story with Calvert-Lewin and the patience of Evertonians and Lampard will likely be growing thin.
However, it does highlight that the club need more forward reinforcements, they can’t rely on the England international anymore.
Neal Maupay has had a fantastic start to life at Goodison Park, but the team can’t rest all their forward hopes on his shoulders.
It’s been 12 months of despair for Calvert-Lewin and whilst you want to give him the benefit of the doubt, the fast and hectic Premier League schedule waits for no one.
Everton need to make a move in the January transfer window for another forward option or they risk missing out on goals for the remainder of the campaign.
There are plenty of options out there; Blackburn’s Ben Brereton Díaz springs to mind as the kind of poacher who could hit the ground running for the Toffees.
Unfortunately for Calvert-Lewin, he can’t be relied on anymore.