pickford
Football

Everton’s Jordan Pickford is fit for clash with Southampton

Jordan Pickford is healthy and ready to face Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.

Everton go to the south coast this weekend aiming to build on last weekend’s morale-boosting victory against West Ham United. The international break that followed the victory over the Hammers gave both goalkeeper Pickford and attacker Calvert-Lewin more time to heal from thigh and knee injuries, respectively.

pickfordManager Frank Lampard indicated in his pre-match news conference that Pickford is ready to start again, and that Calvert-inclusion Lewin’s is being considered as the 25-year-old works to recover top fitness.

“We’re thinking about bringing him in this weekend,” Lampard said of Calvert-Lewin. “With Dominic, we’re aiming to ensure he returns in peak health and strength for us, so we’ll see.”

“I believe any athlete who has injuries, especially the frequency of ailments he’s had, finds it tough to cope with because players want to play and are disappointed when they can’t.”

“All you can hope for is that they continue to do the right things to get themselves in the greatest shape possible, whether it’s through rehab or when they return to the field.”

“We’re constantly looking for the best approach to get Dominic fit and keep him fit, because we know what kind of player he is, as he’s demonstrated here before.”

Meanwhile, James Garner is competing for a starting spot in Lampard’s lineup after working on his fitness since his deadline-day signing from Manchester United and appearing in England Under-21s’ 3-1 win over Germany in midweek.

“James, when he initially arrived here, he said he wasn’t fit,” Lampard added. “Because he was leaving Manchester United, he hadn’t trained at the highest level.”

“He was kind of fit for West Ham, but it’s amazing that he played a game – and performed so well – for England Under-21s.”

“He’s all set to go now. He’s impressed me a lot in training, both as a young man and as a player.

“That’s why we brought him here; he has great potential now and in the future.”

The respite did come at a cost, though, with Nathan Patterson expected to miss four to five weeks after injuring his ankle during Scotland’s Nations League triumph over Ukraine at Hampden Park last Wednesday.

“It’s a setback for us all because he’s been terrific; there’s no doubt about the level of his performance,” Lampard remarked.

“He has desire and has added vitality to the team.”

“I will say that Seamus Coleman has been the most vocal proponent of it.” He is an incredible teammate in terms of guiding Patts and assisting and supporting him when he is performing well.

“I’m not concerned about Seamus joining the team. I’m always hoping to see Seamus get some playing time since he makes a tremendous impact on the field.

“However, we need Patts back as quickly as possible.” I believe the four to five week estimate is a bit more optimistic than our first assumptions, so let’s hope we can have him back soon.”

Kajal S

Kajal S

kajal

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