Dominic Calvert-Lewin FINALLY in contention to play following knee injury

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally looks set for his first appearance of the season after an injury.

The England international suffered a knee problem on the eve of opening weekend but after a couple of false starts, with manager Frank Lampard holding him back to give him extra time to improve his fitness, he looks set to rejoin the squad for the visit of Manchester United.

“Yeah, he’s confused,” Lampard said.

“We’ll have to see how match fit he is, but he’s better in terms of injury. It’s a really good boost.

“He’s a good player for us, crucial to our stay in the league last year and we want to get him playing regularly.”

Defenders Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate, neither of whom have played due to ankle and knee injuries, are also on their way to recovery.

‘They train with us. Yerry joined us in the last few days, Mason came in today for part of the training,” said Lampard.

“They are both working hard to get (fully) fit again.

“This weekend will probably come for both, especially Mason, but with a good training week next week we hope they can join in from then on.”

This week the club has been the subject of more takeover talks, with the LAMF Global Ventures Corp special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) – led by Los Angeles film producers and investors Jeff Soros and Simon Horsman, advised by former Everton director Keith Harris – reportedly preparatory discussions.

It is the second such approach after talks between another US consortium, led by former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon, failed over the summer.

Lampard insists he will not be distracted by matters off the pitch.

“It’s something I probably don’t know enough about, and certainly have no control over, other than doing my job well,” said the Toffees boss.

“My job is to coach this team and build relationships with the fans and those above me.”