Sean Dyche says Everton will monitor the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin to see if the striker is ready to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.

The Blues hit the road again for an important meeting with Steve Cooper's side and Calvert-Lewin, who has missed the past four games after suffering a hamstring issue during the 1-0 home win over Arsenal last month, will be a late call to decide if he can be involved.

Asked about the England international's availability for this weekend in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Dyche said: "Dominic Calvert-Lewin is recovering and getting strong. We'll see [for Sunday]."

James Garner, who Dyche said could return to the squad for the clash at Forest, and Nathan Patterson both turned out for the Under-21s in the youngsters' Premier League International Cup quarter-final clash with PSV Eindhoven on Thursday evening as the duo continue to build their fitness ahead of a return to senior action.

Midfielder Garner, who sustained a back injury prior to the mid-season break for the World Cup, managed 84 minutes, while right-back Patterson, who Dyche revealed last week is "a bit behind" his teammate, lasted 64 minutes in a defeat to the Dutch outfit at Goodison Park.

Dyche added: "Patto is a little bit behind because he got a knock on his knee but he played 70 minutes last night. Jimmy [Garner] is a little bit closer."

Asked if Garner will be involved on Sunday, Dyche responded: "We'll see."