Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic says that he can't wait for the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin - labelling the 25-year-old as one of the best strikers in the country.
The Blues were dealt and huge blow to their preparations for the new Premier League season when it was revealed that England international Calvert-Lewin had been sidelined with a knee injury sustained in training, that will keep him out of action for several more weeks.
The news was a massive blow for boss Frank Lampard, who had already seen fellow forward Richarlison leave for Tottenham Hotspur before the injury occurred.
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Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Toffees opening day defeat to Chelsea, Lampard said: "Losing a player like Dominic, with his quality, in the week going into the first game is obviously going to affect you. I think we're probably looking at around six weeks for the injury. I saw a lot of crazy rumours yesterday, but he's been assessed over a couple of days and that's where we're at.
"It comes with the territory of having a squad and training at this level. We'll have to work around it. Other players will have to step up and do the job and hopefully that six weeks passes relatively quickly and we get Dominic back.
"Dominic was looking great - really fit, really strong. I've taken him out of one pre-season game as a precaution but through pre-season we were constantly commenting on how good he looks. It was very positive. So, it's a knock for everybody, particularly for him because I know the feeling as a player when you're getting pumped up and ready for a new season.
"I feel for him but we'll support him, as we always do, then as a team and a squad we have to look at the games in front of us."
The sentiment of the manager has been backed by Bosnia and Herzegovina international Begovic, who hold's teammate Calvert-Lewin in the highest regard.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 LIVE, Begovic said: "We can't wait to have Dom back. He's one of the best number nines in the country."
A week before the injury to the Sheffield-born star, Everton increased their offensive options with the acquisition of Dwight McNeil, who arrived from Burnley for an undisclosed fee.
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