DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN has been ruled out of Everton’s clash with Southampton on Saturday.
It is another blow for the striker, 25, who was expected to return from injury this weekend.
A minor setback means Calvert-Lewin will have to wait at least another week to get back out on the pitch.
Boss Frank Lampard had hoped to have the English forward available against West Ham on September 18 but was forced to pull him out of that game.
And now the frustrations continue for both parties.
With 11 international caps, the Toffees No9 was hoping to be on the plane to Qatar for the World Cup.
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With the start of the tournament just six weeks away, Calvert-Lewin’s time is running out to be included in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Club gaffer Lampard explained his concerns with bringing his attacker, who he described as “a machine”, back too soon.
Lampard said: “I haven’t spoken to him about a confidence issue. But, if there was, it would be completely understandable off the back of a few injuries if he felt like that.
“Communication is key. I know what players are like – you tell the manager you are fine because you want back in.
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“I think what have come to is a very open conversation between myself, Dominic and the medical department to make sure we get him in the best possible nick because it is a long season. I don’t want to bring him back too early.
“He was looking so strong in training in America during pre-season and then he got injured before Chelsea.
“I just want to get him back to that level where he was a machine, where he looked like the Dominic we all want to see.
“It’s more making sure that Dominic is in the best condition. We have had a look at his plan and looked at some of his training to make sure he is in the best possible shape. I need to think is he ready to start again, should he be coming on.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
