Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss Everton's first game of the season against Chelsea.
The striker picked up a knee injury in training this week and the extent of the knock is currently being assessed. But Frank Lampard has indicated it may rule him out of further fixtures, stating: "We’re hoping it’s weeks at the moment, but we don’t yet know that information."
The injury to the 25-year-old is a major blow to Lampard's preparations for the new campaign. With Salomon Rondon suspended for the match with Chelsea following his red card against Brentford last season, the Blues boss is without a recognised first team striker for Saturday's game.
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Calvert-Lewin was highlighted as a doubt for the match after sustaining a knock in training. In an update issued by Everton on Wednesday afternoon, Lampard said: “We are assessing Dom’s injury. No timeframe has been confirmed and we are pretty sure what level it is so we are hopeful it is not long-term. We’ll miss him for Chelsea. He was looking in great physical condition and was training really well. It was a freak injury in training, which does happen. It’s a shame but we have to find the solutions to keep ourselves strong without Dominic before he returns.”
Initial reports of Calvert-Lewin's injury had sparked rumours about the severity of his condition - which Lampard referred to in a separate statement quoted by Sky Sports News.
The outlet reported him as saying: "He [Dominic Calvert-Lewin] has a bit of an issue with the outside of his knee but we’re assessing it at the moment... I’ve read reports of rumours and people guessing the injury and length of time, but we don’t know. We’re hoping it’s weeks at the moment, but we don’t yet know that information. He’ll certainly be missing for the Chelsea game and probably the games succeeding that in the short term, but hopefully it won’t be too long."
Calvert-Lewin's season was blighted by injury last year but the striker had looked good through pre-season. After missing the friendly at Blackpool as a "precaution" he then starred in the 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv, looking bright and scoring the first goal. With Richarlison having been sold to Tottenham Hotspur and Rondon unavailable, Lampard could look to start Dele Alli as a 'false nine' on Saturday or opt to give an opportunity to an academy prospect such as Lewis Dobbin.
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