Everton: Lampard 'will not risk' Calvert-Lewin at West Ham

Everton duo Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure are set to return to Frank Lampard’s first-team squad this weekend, although neither are likely to start against West Ham United, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The key duo have both been nursing injuries in recent weeks but could soon return to action as the Toffees eye their first win of the Premier League season.

Calvert-Lewin is yet to play a game for Everton this season after picking up a knee injury in training ahead of their season-opener against Chelsea.

The £72,000 per-week star missed a large chunk of last term with injury problems too and will be desperate to avoid a repeat of that fate this time around.

Doucoure, meanwhile, started Everton’s first two games of the season but was withdrawn after 35 minutes against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury. He has since missed their subsequent five top-flight games.

But Lampard has confirmed that both stars have recently returned to full training at Finch Farm ahead of this weekend’s clash with West Ham.

Phillips believes that both Doucoure and Calvert-Lewin will be included in the matchday squad to face West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

However, the journalist adds that neither are likely to start, given their lack of match practice.

When asked about Calvert-Lewin’s potential return, Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think he’s going to get risked at the moment. I think he’ll be in the squad but I can’t see him starting the game. Same as well with Doucoure. I don’t think that either player will come into the starting line-up straight away.”

Doucoure has made 70 appearances for the Toffees since making the move in the summer of 2020, becoming an integral member of the side, scoring five goals and