Graeme Sharp hopes Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns to Everton action soon
Everton legend Graeme Sharp believes that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is nearing a return from an extended spell on the sidelines.
The England international was last seen in action for the Toffees in August when they beat Brighton 2-0.
He scored in that game and suffered an injury since after which he has been missing in action.
Discussing the 24-year-old's impact, Sharp, an Everton TV pundit, who is in the know at Goodison Park, told the Liverpool Echo, "He's improved, but if you ask him I'm sure he'll say he's got to improve again.
"You just look at some of the games we've played without him and you can't help but think, 'He'd be on the end of that'. Especially when you've got Gray and Townsend putting in the balls they have been.
"Hopefully, touch wood, he's coming back to near fitness and hopefully that in turn will see us move up the league."
Need him soon
The Toffees have missed a talisman leading the line for them, especially one who guarantees goals.
Calvert-Lewin is the ideal striker for Rafa Benitez and the Spaniard must be eagerly awaiting his return.
Benitez likes playing a direct style of football and having the 24-year-old's aerial presence inside the penalty area gives him the opportunity of doing just that.
It also gives left-back Lucas Digne an outlet and a target to find inside the box.
Thus far, the Frenchman has been highly ineffective in the final third, but that could change once the England striker returns to action.
Everton looked like a team with him in the squad in comparison to how disjointed they have been of late.