Everton captain Seamus Coleman believes that forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin will remain fit and provide goals again for the Blues this season.
The 34-year-old states that there is ‘full confidence’ that DCL can get fit and firing at Goodison Park once more, and that the £1.5m player ‘puts so much work’ into his recovery.
Speaking with Sky Sports, the Irish international has said: “There’s been a lot of talk about Dominic. He’s had some injury problems but he’s professional and puts so much work into what he does.
He just needs that little rub of the green and, the way he’s looking, there’s full confidence he will be fit this season, be a focal point for us and score goals – because that’s what he does when he’s fit and in the team.”
Everton fans will hope Coleman is correct regarding Calvert-Lewin this season
Calvert-Lewin was only available for 17 Premier League games for the Toffees last season, though never really had a sustained period of match-fitness.
Returning after a 10-game absence for April’s game at Crystal Palace, Calvert-Lewin provided a focal point that had been absent from Everton’s starting XI.
The England international was then key as Sean Dyche’s side picked up six points out of the next six games, though was unavailable for the relegation decider against Bournemouth on the final day of the season.
The 26-year-old only played 90 minutes of pre-season football, with 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game against AC Monza, followed by another 45 against Sporting CP, where he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win.
Sean Dyche has brought Arnaut Danjuma in on loan from Villarreal and has secured the signing of Youseff Chermiti from Sporting CP but a sustained period of fitness from DCL will be vital for Everton once again this season.