Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the gym as Everton's first team returned from their winter break.
Those who had not travelled to Qatar for the World Cup were called back to Finch Farm for fitness tests and training on Friday, with the Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers just over a fortnight away. Calvert-Lewin, who missed the trip to Australia last month through injury, and Tom Davies and Yerry Mina - who each suffered injuries Down Under - were among those involved in some form.
As the crucial game with Wolves begins to appear on the horizon, here are some key takeaways from the first training session of December.
ROYAL BLUE: Jordan Pickford changing minds about England but milestone hands Farhad Moshiri major Everton challenge
READ MORE: Former Everton staff member slams 'absolute nonsense' rumours about James Rodriguez
Dominic Calvert-Lewin working out in hunt for fitness
This season has been another tough one for the striker as injuries continue to prevent him from gathering fitness and form. His only goal came against Crystal Palace as he set the tone for the emphatic win that underscored the style and aggression Frank Lampard is hoping will be a more consistent feature of the Blues' performances in the second half of the campaign. By the time of the break, Calvert-Lewin was suffering with knee, shoulder and hamstring issues that ruled him out of the Australia tour and in a battle to be fit for the Boxing Day game with Wolves. Calvert-Lewin was back at Finch Farm on the same day the rest of the squad returned and, while he was not out on the training pitch to take part in team drills, he was working in the gym as he continues his hunt for fitness.
Tom Davies back outside as he and Yerry Mina also continue comeback work
Another player focused on recovery is Tom Davies. The midfielder suffered a knee injury while training in Sydney the day before the game with Celtic. There was genuine fear within the club that the setback would be a severe one and the decision was taken to fly him back to the UK immediately for assessment. Scans ultimately revealed the issue was not as serious as first thought and the timescale for Davies' recovery was reduced to weeks and not months. The good news continued for the Blues on Friday as Davies was able to venture outside to take part in fitness drills. Yerry Mina, whose season has been heavily disrupted by injury, also needed a scan after picking up a hamstring problem in the first half of the Sydney Super Cup match with Celtic. His recovery timetable had him in a race for availability for the Wolves match and he was, like Calvert-Lewin, back in the gym upon his return.
Anthony Gordon picks up at Finch Farm after private work in Dubai
Anthony Gordon starred in Australia, hitting a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers. He had a quieter game against Celtic but had to deputise in central midfield in that game after injuries to Lampard's other options. He still had the final say in that match as he kept his composure to slot the winning penalty past Joe Hart in the shootout, however. Gordon spent some of his free time between the Australia tour and Finch Farm return staying on top of his fitness by doing private training out in the Middle East. The 21-year-old was working in Dubai with the same trainer who was helping Manchester United midfielder - and former Gordon teammate - Donny van de Beek stay on top of his condition. Gordon was fully involved in training on Friday as he looks towards the season restart.
Everton need a goalscorer - what role can Tom Cannon play?
One player in the Everton squad who has had an excellent World Cup break is Tom Cannon. The teenager scored in the shootout against Celtic, grabbed his first senior goal against Western Sydney Wanderers and then hit a stoppage time winner for the Under-21s to secure the comeback win over Mansfield Town that sent Paul Tait's side into the last-16 of the Papa John's Trophy. He picked up two more in the Premier League Cup win over Colchester United U21s last week and recently told the ECHO he believes he is ready to have an impact at senior level. After he made his senior debut and then Premier League debut in the Carabao Cup and Premier League ties at Bournemouth just before the break, and with Everton struggling for goals, there have been calls for him to get more first team opportunities. Lampard views him as a clinical goalscorer but where he features in his plans for this season will only become clear once January arrives, with Everton targeting two forward players in the window. With that still a few weeks away, Cannon was in first team training again on Friday.
Lampard all smiles with teenager who enjoyed breakout Australia tour
Another youngster who had an impressive November was Isaac Price. He had a standout tour in Sydney and as Finch Farm returns to full operation over the coming weeks, securing the teenage midfielder to a new contract is likely to be a priority. Like Cannon, Sebastian Quirk, Stanley Mills and Reece Welch, Price was in the mix at training and captured with a smiling Lampard as their relationship appears to go from strength to strength.
READ NEXT
- Petty Jordan Pickford claims about Everton and England are myth and sheer ignorance
- Former Everton staff member slams 'absolute nonsense' rumours about James Rodriguez
- Move over Harry Kane - Dixie Dean's England football record vs France
- Andros Townsend gives 'honest' Goncalo Ramos verdict as Portugal star linked with Everton transfer
- Carlo Ancelotti doubles down on Richarlison Everton praise amid Real Madrid transfer links
