Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be in Everton's squad for the trip to Manchester City on Saturday, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
But the Blues' search for additional firepower in the January transfer window is well underway, with the club having already looked at 'lots of players' according to the Goodison boss.
Calvert-Lewin's inclusion for tomorrow's daunting visit to the Premier League champions is a boost for Evertonians, who are still reeling from the morale-sapping last-minute defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, that has left the Toffees just a point above the relegation zone.
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Everton are in desperate need of a great goal return, but Lampard stopped short of confirming whether Calvert-Lewin would start the match at the Etihad.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Lampard said: "He's in the squad. Yes," but when pushed on whether he would make the first XI, he simply added: "We will see."
The Blues boss was more willing to talk about recognising the fact that up top is an area that the Blues are challenged and must improve if they are to avoid a repeat of last season's nervy relegation battle.
Lampard said: "We've gone into a season where we've lost Richarlison and we haven't really had Dominic, barring a few games. I think you've seen what he can do against Crystal Palace and other than that we haven't had him. It's not for the want of trying. It's injuries. It's understandable that when you lose that firepower, it might not be easy to replace in terms of pure goals and output. So having Dominic back in the fold is a great thing for us, because players who can make a difference at the top end of the pitch like that mean points. It's as simple as that.
"We'll look to see what we can do in the January transfer window. Not just specifically about Dominic as a number nine, but what options do we have to start a game or change a game, to bring on from the bench? We have to look at it that way, but we have to do it within our own parameters.
When asked if he had identified any players that fit the remit, Lampard added: "Yeah definitely. Lot's of players."
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