Frank Lampard has revealed Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be in the Everton squad for Tuesday’s Premier League clash at Newcastle United (7.45pm GMT) but the Blues will be without Ben Godfrey for “four or five weeks” with a hamstring injury.
Godfrey sustained a torn hamstring in Saturday’s 4-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Brentford at Goodison Park – a game Calvert-Lewin missed with a minor knock.
January signings Dele, Donny van de Beek and Anwar El Ghazi are in contention to make their Everton debuts at St James’ Park after being ineligible for the Cup victory.
Everton will be without injured midfield trio Abdoulaye Doucoure (groin), Fabian Delph (thigh) and Tom Davies (hamstring) for Tuesday’s game.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon, Lampard said: “Dominic is in the squad. He has been training for the past few days.
“Ben had his scan this morning and it will be a four-to-five-week injury.
“Doucoure is still probably three-to-four weeks away, with Fabian Delph four-to-five weeks [from being fit to return].
“Dele and Donny are in the squad. I was pleased they could see a performance like they saw against Brentford on Saturday, and the way we want to go as a team.
“They’ve been great in training – they’ve integrated on the training pitch and off it. It’s very important we are a tight unit.
“The players showed against Brentford that there is competition in this squad, which is the only way it can be at this level. It’s great to have them both here.”
Lampard added he is relishing the chance to work with a striker of Calvert-Lewin’s calibre, revealing he has long admired the 24-year-old’s quality and character.
The England attacker will be hoping to continue his excellent record at St James’ Park if selected on Tuesday. Calvert-Lewin has netted in Everton’s past three matches at Newcastle's home.
Lampard said: “When you get offered a job like this, you get excited about the challenge as a whole and you look at the squad and get excited about working with the players.
“I’ve come up against Dominic [as Chelsea manager] and watched him from the outside. I liked his attitude and demeanour, without knowing him personally, and I’ve found him great in the week I’ve been here.
“As a player, I love the talent he has and the attributes he has. I’m very pleased he’s here and I’m pleased he’s fit now.
“We maybe have to be a bit careful with him in these early stages. I know he was out for a while, then returned and had a little setback. I’ll manage that situation but, in terms of the player, I’m really excited to work with him.”
