Everton handed injury boost ahead of Man Utd clash with key man available - but five remain out
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Frank Lampard has delivered a major team news boost for Everton ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester United.
The Toffees boss revealed on Friday that Dominic Calvert-Lewin could return this weekend after an injury-plagued start to the season.
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Hide AdThe striker hasn’t played at all in 2022/23 and struggled for minutes last term, playing fewer than half of the club’s league games.
Neal Maupay and Salomon Rondon remain Everton’s only other options up front and Calvert-Lewin’s return will be a huge relief for the Merseyside club ahead of busy month of fixures.
“Yes, he’s in contention. We’ll have to see how match-fit he is but in terms of the injury he’s better,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference.
“It’s a really good boost. He’s a good player for us, pivotal in us staying in the league last year and we want to get him playing regularly.”
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Hide AdThere’s also good news for Everton regarding Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina, both of whom are back in training but not expected to be involved on Sunday.
“This weekend probably comes too early for both of them - definitely for Mason - but we’re hoping with a good week’s training next week they can be in contention from then on,” Lampard explained.
Nathan Patterson, Ben Godfrey and Andros Townsend will also miss out due to long-term injuries.
As for United, Erik ten Hag said Raphael Varane could be back for the short trip to Merseyside, but ruled out three other players.
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Hide Ad“It’s difficult to say. Varane makes progress and I hope he’s available, but I think it will be close,” said the former Ajax boss.
“From the other players, Harry Maguire [is] not [available]. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek both [aren’t available].”
United head into the clash on the back of a 3-2 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia, but were convincingly beaten 6-3 in last weekend’s Manchester derby.
Meanwhile, the Toffees are in great form and have won their last two. Lampard’s side are also unbeaten in six league matches and have conceded the fewest goals in the division so far this season.