Frank Lampard has provided an update on the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray after both sat out today's 4-2 win at Blackpool.
The key attacking duo were missing for the Blues' first pre-season friendly on home soil. But with two-goal Dele Alli in fine form, Lampard's side still managed to run out comfortable winners over their Championship opponents.
And after the victory, the Everton gave boss delivered the latest on Calvert-Lewin and Gray. He told the club's official website : "You’re concerned because you want them on the pitch but they are small issues that we’re not worth risking today.
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"We travelled back from America on a long overnight flight after Minnesota. Then the lads needed a bit of time off and came back so where they’ve got small issues it wasn’t worth risking them. Hopefully, they’ll be fit to train in the middle of the week and we’ll play it from there."
Lampard also paid tribute to the travelling Blues supporters at Bloomfield Road, who were rewarded by seeing their side score their first goals and record their first win of pre-season.
Vitalli Mykolenko and Tom Davies were also on target in the success. And Lampard said: "Amazing. I’ve had that since I’ve been at the club. I feel fortunate to be part of this club and proud to manage (it). The way they turned out and helped get us over the line last season, the way they turn up here and are so vocal all the time, it just shows what they can give us.
"From living it and being in it, I know how strong it is when we are all together and that’s something that we really appreciate as players, staff and club. Of course, we need to keep pushing in the right direction, make good decisions as a club, and perform on the football pitch.
"When we’re together, and you feel that from the fans, it makes it a special place. We’ll keep trying to do our side of the bargain and keep improving as a group. But, yes, the fanbase is incredible."
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