Frank Lampard has confirmed Everton will welcome Mason Holgate back into the squad ahead of the midweek clash with Newcastle United. The Toffees travel to St James' Park on Wednesday night aiming to bounce back from successive defeats to Manchester United and Tottenham.
Holgate has not featured since the away draw with Brentford in August after picking up a knee injury. The 25-year-old may not be considered fit enough to start against the Magpies given this extended lay-off.
However, Lampard's hand could be forced given a number of defensive injuries which has currently ruled out Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina, and Nathan Patterson. The Chelsea legend was asked to provide an injury update on Tuesday, three days on from the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.
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Lampard told the Liverpool Echo: "Yerry had a small issue in his rehab, so he won't be (involved). Mason is in the squad, so progressing with that. Ben Godfrey is also on the training pitch, small (steps), but great to see. Early stages."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has made his return from a long-term knee injury with two substitute appearances, and is expected to maintain this bench role against Newcastle. Lampard has stressed caution when it comes to the 25-year-old's recovery, but has indicated the congested schedule offers a chance to give the striker 'more minutes'.
The Everton boss added: "We've got to be careful with Dominic, making sure we gradually bring him in but as quickly as possible. It's a fine balance that one. But he's getting to the stage. We've got two games in three days coming up so hopefully we can get more minutes out of him."
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