Frank Lampard has revealed Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has now returned to training and will be in the matchday squad for Tuesday night.
Everton return their focus to the Premier League on Tuesday with an away trip to Tyneside, which could see their 24-year-old striker make his return from injury.
Is Richarlison better with DCL fit?
Yes
No
Ahead of the game at St. James’ Park, Lampard had the following to say on Calvert-Lewin’s place in the squad: “Dominic’s in the squad. Dominic’s been training for the last few days.”
Calvert-Lewin has been sidelined for the majority of the campaign with a fractured toe, which has seen the Englishman make just six appearances in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).
So what could the return of Calvert-Lewin mean to the squad after missing the FA Cup clash at the weekend against Brentford?
Huge boost for the Toffees
Despite having featured in just six Premier League matches, Calvert-Lewin was able to find the back of the net in the opening three games of the season.
And without the striker, goals have been relatively hard to come by for the Toffees, with just 24 goals to their name across 21 games played this season.
Everton’s struggles in front of goal have been summed up by Calvert-Lewin remaining the third-highest scorer for the Merseyside club, with only Demarai Gray and Richarlison scoring more in the league.
Tuesday offers Lampard with a huge opportunity to put down a marker in his first league game with the Toffees, as they sit just four points off the relegation zone.
And with the game coming against a Newcastle side who will also view this game as a huge opportunity to set the tone for the remainder of the season, could Calvert-Lewin prove to be the difference-maker? The stats suggest that may be the case.
Good news for Richarlison
Richarlison has made a steady start to the Premier League campaign, with four goals and two assists to his name in 13 appearances (via Transfermarkt).
He has also suffered from his own injury issues this season, which have seen him miss a number of games already in the Premier League.
However, we do think fans will have looked at Richarlison as the man to turn to for goals with Calvert-Lewin out through his fractured toe.
Having netted doubled figures in two of his three league campaigns with the Toffees, the pressure will have been on the 24-year-old to step up in Calvert-Lewin’s absence.
But with the Englishman set to return on Tuesday night, we think it could benefit the Brazilian by potentially taking the pressure off being the main figure in front of goal.
And in addition, Richarlison has often played off Calvert-Lewin as a winger or second-striker, but in his absence, the 24-year-old has been sometimes playing up top by himself (via Transfermarkt).
So could Calvert-Lewin’s return also see the return of Richarlison’s best form? Only time will tell.
In other news: Ian Wright loves what Everton ace has posted on Instagram