Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks set to be included in a matchday squad for the first time this season.
The 25-year-old has been out of action since a knee injury derailed the start of his campaign just days before Everton's Premier League season opener with Chelsea. He had been nearing a return before last weekend's scheduled trip to Arsenal that was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Pictures from first team training this week show him working with his teammates and looking strong ahead of a potential comeback for the approaching tie with West Ham United. Calvert-Lewin's comeback is just one of several interesting features of the latest Finch Farm gallery released by the club. Here is an overview of some of the talking points.
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Calvert-Lewin on the comeback trail
Everton's season was dealt a severe blow before it had even started when Calvert-Lewin suffered what Frank Lampard described as a "freak" knee injury. Just days earlier he had scored during a promising performance in the club's final pre-season friendly against Dynamo Kyiv. His absence for the first six league games plunged Everton into turmoil following the sale of Richarlison and, for the match with Chelsea, the suspension of the only other recognised first team forward, Salomon Rondon.
Lampard has persevered with different formations, tried Anthony Gordon as a 'false nine' and signed Neal Maupay since Calvert-Lewin became the first of six key players to suffer injuries in August and September. Now, Everton's number nine looks on the brink of a return though, with training photographs showing him being put through his paces along with his teammates.
The Captain's Table?
Jordan Pickford has been ruled out of the West Ham game - and the international games that follow it - with a thigh injury sustained in the Merseyside derby. The England star has worn the captain's armband for every game of the league season but his absence opens up the question of who will step up. Club captain Seamus Coleman has returned to fitness but has not started a game this season. Several photographs show him speaking with James Tarkowski who, with Conor Coady, is among the most obvious captaincy choices. Both centre backs are leaders but could Tarkowski get the nod due to having been a permanent addition to the squad while Coady is on loan? Perhaps Coleman is offering Tarkowski some insight into the honour of leading a team out at Goodison Park.
Asmir Begovic ready to fill Pickford's gloves
Pickford's injury has led to Everton signing a new goalkeeper on a short term contract to make sure they are not exposed by further injuries. With Andy Lonergan also currently out as he deals with a knee injury, Everton moved to bring in Eldin Jakupovic. The 37-year-old was available after leaving Leicester City in the summer. But with 255 Premier League appearances, Asmir Begovic should be a more than capable replacement. His last Goodison Park game came in the dramatic 1-0 win over Newcastle United last season, and he kept a clean sheet against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup recently.
Lampard and Anthony Gordon all smiles
A couple of photographs show Lampard and Anthony Gordon smiling together. It's a combination that was under pressure in the later stages of the transfer window as Chelsea tested Everton's resolve to keep the young star. Lampard had nothing but praise for Gordon throughout the saga, not just crediting his footballing ability and potential but also his personal strength to perform amid the speculation. Gordon repaid him with two superb goals against Brentford and Leeds United. There was never any doubt over the strength of the pair's relationship but the latest images make that clearer than ever.
Two great full-backs offer wealth of expertise
While Anthony Gordon may be Everton's future - along with the likes of 16-year-old Ishe Samuels-Smith, who was involved in first team training for a second consecutive week - there is a nod to the past in this week's training gallery. Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines is seen helping out with first team coach Ashley Cole as two of the Premier League's greatest full-backs share a conversation. The pair, along with Coleman, offer vast experience for the likes of Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson to tap into.
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