EPL: Lampard confirms major Everton injury blow ahead of Chelsea opener

Frank Lampard has confirmed Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss Everton’s Premier League opener against Chelsea after suffering a ‘freak injury’ in training.

The Toffees survived a relegation scare last season, finishing 16th in the Premier League – just four points above the drop zone – after an underwhelming campaign.

Everton will look to make a strong start to the 2022-23 season when Lampard’s former club Chelsea travel to Goodison Park on Saturday.

But Lampard will be without England striker Calvert-Lewin after he suffered a knee injury in training.

The Everton boss said: ‘We are assessing Dom’s injury. No timeframe has been confirmed and we are pretty sure what level it is so we are hopeful it is not long-term.

‘We’ll miss him for Chelsea. He was looking in great physical condition and was training really well. It was a freak injury in training, which does happen.

‘It’s a shame but we have to find the solutions to keep ourselves strong without Dominic before he returns.’

While Everton endured a dismal 2021-22 season, Chelsea also underwhelmed in the Premier League as Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to keep pace with title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

Frank Lampard’s Everton welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park on Saturday (Picture: Getty)

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Summer signings James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil could make their competitive debuts for Everton this weekend, while Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly are in line to feature for the visitors following their moves from Manchester City and Napoli respectively.

Lampard will hope to have Calvert-Lewin back at his disposal for Everton’s second league game against Aston Villa on August 13.

Chelsea, meanwhile, welcome London rivals Tottenham to Stamford Bridge a week after their trip to Merseyside.