Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to make his comeback from injury in time for the Toffees' next Premier League game at Southampton on 1st October. 

The lowdown

The 25-year-old has yet to play for his club this season after sustaining a knee injury in training prior to the first match of the campaign against Chelsea.

Frank Lampard had a late call to make on the Englishman for Sunday's clash against West Ham as he nears a return to fitness, but he opted to leave the forward out of the squad.

The latest

Joe Thomas of The Liverpool Echo relayed an update from Lampard after the weekend win over David Moyes' side.

The Everton manager expects Calvert-Lewin to be ready for the trip to St Mary's after choosing to play the long game and holding him back on Sunday.

Thomas tweeted: "Lampard confident Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be available for Southampton (the next game). Says leaving him out of squad was his decision - and he spoke with DCL about it.

"Thinking was he did not want to risk him when has two more weeks to ensure he has 'strikers to choose from'."

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The verdict

After Everton picked up their first Premier League win of the season against the Hammers, this represents more good news for Lampard and co.

Calvert-Lewin, who has been dubbed 'exceptional' by Sky Sports' Pete Graves, offers a significant goal threat, having netted 26 times for the Toffees since the start of the 2020/21 season.

The 25-year-old also offers excellent work rate out of possession, ranking in the 88th percentile among positional peers in the big five European leagues for tackles per 90 and the 75th percentile for clearances per game (via FBRef).

Lampard could have something of a selection dilemma up front against the Saints after Neal Maupay netted the winning goal against West Ham on Sunday. Indeed, journalist Simon Phillips has already warned that he can't see the duo playing together up front, and he expects one of them to be left on the bench.

It's not a bad selection headache to have...