Frank Lampard is convinced Dominic Calvert-Lewin is desperate to contribute to Everton's survival efforts.
The striker - who scored 16 times in the Premier League last year - has struggled for form during a season ravaged by injury. He has not scored since hitting three goals in the first three games of this campaign and missed the Leicester City and Liverpool clashes after his latest setback.
Calvert-Lewin is set to return to the Everton squad for Sunday's tie with Chelsea - though the extent of the role he will be able to play remains unclear. The 25-year-old was back in training this week and, while Everton are desperate for him to recover his goalscoring form, Lampard said he will carefully consider how best to manage his return from injury.
READ MORE: Everton launch search for two key roles after big 'strategic review' decision
READ MORE: Everton striker aiming for the Championship could still fire his way into Frank Lampard's plans
He has no concerns over Calvert-Lewin's desire to help Everton secure Premier League survival, however. Lampard said: "Does he want to play? Yes. Does he want to contribute? Yes.
"Unfortunately I have not been able to have 'the best' Dominic since I have been here because he has either missed games or has been coming back from injury.
"He hasn't really had that run of form, that run of games, that all strikers need to then get into that place where we feel like we are going to get the goals out of him which he's proved he can produce at the club - that's why he's a top player for the club and for England - so it will be great to have him back for this run of games and to keep him fit."
