Frank Lampard has explained his reasons for omitting Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton’s matchday squad to take on West Ham United.
Speaking on Friday, Lampard revealed that Calvert-Lewin could return to Everton's matchday squad for this afternoon’s game. The Blues striker has not featured this season after suffering a knee injury in the week leading into the start of the campaign.
However, eyebrows were raised when team news dropped at Goodison one hour before kick-off, with the forward not even named on the bench for the Blues. But speaking before the game, Lampard revealed Calvert-Lewin missed out as a precaution after his knee injury.
READ MORE: Dominic Calvert-Lewin absent from squad as Everton team named for West Ham clash
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He said: "It was my choice with Dominic given the [injury] history and the international break we have coming up.
"It’s a chance for him to get even fitter after a slightly complicated injury. We have to be cautious with him rather than take a risk because we want him for the long-term so it was more of a precaution.
"I know everyone gets excited – I get asked questions about him every press conference - but, at the same time, we have to protect him a little bit so hopefully after the international break we’ll be seeing him."
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