By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

7th Apr, 2023 | 7:00pm

Sources: Calvert-Lewin close to Everton comeback after Finch Farm update today

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is closer than ever to an Everton comeback after resuming full team training this week, sources have told Football Insider.

The 26-year-old has been out of action since playing an hour of the Toffees’ 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal in early February.

His initial absence was the result of a hamstring injury that was then further aggravated ahead of a planned comeback prior to the recent international break.

However, Calvert-Lewin is now over that setback and closing in on a long-awaited return to action.

Saturday’s trip to face Manchester United will come too soon but there is cautious optimism following today (Friday) that, with a full week’s training at Finch Farm behind him, the striker could play some part in next weekend’s clash with Fulham.

That is, of course, if Sean Dyche is satisfied that taking to the pitch won’t put him at risk of re-injury.

The Everton boss recently said of Calvert-Lewin‘s bid for fitness: “There’s nothing other than me wanting to get him out there training every day and feel good about that. That’s the best start point and take it from there.

“We are trying to get him as strong as he was two years ago and back to that statistical level as well in terms of how we think and how he feels.”

Calvert-Lewin has scored 46 Premier League goals in 175 appearances for Everton since a move from hometown club Sheffield United in the summer of 2016.

Five of those proved key to the Toffees narrowly avoiding relegation from the top-flight last season under Frank Lampard.

However, the Englishman has scored just once in 11 outings this term as a result of a slew of injury issues that he will be desperate to put behind him.

In other news, Leeds United now lead Everton in the race to sign Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer.