Dominic Calvert-Lewin among SEVEN Everton players unavailable for Frank Lampard’s first game

Frank Lampard will be without seven first-team players for his maiden game in charge of Everton.

Lampard took over the Goodison Park hot seat on Monday. He succeeds Rafa Benitez, who was sacked less than six months into the job.

Fresh optimism

The Chelsea legend is tasked with turning around the Toffees' fortunes, having plummeted to 16th in the Premier League table.

The mood has certainly changed among supporters for the better, though.

The arrival of Lampard has been the major reason along with the January transfer deadline day signings of Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek have “a point to prove” says Everton boss Frank Lampard">Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

The fresh optimism Lampard's brought will also have some fans dreaming about Everton finally ending their 27-year wait for a trophy.

The Blues welcome Brentford to Goodison Park in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday (15.00) but numbers will be depleted.

Team news

Van de Beek and Alli will be forced to watch from the stands. The pair are cup-tied having already played in the competition for United and Spurs this season.

Anwar El Ghazi, who arrived on loan from Aston Villa last month, also represented his parent club in the Cup in the third round.

Meanwhile, Everton have been handed a blow as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered a knock.

The striker recently returned to full fitness after a four-month absence because of a hip injury.

Lampard admitted Calvert-Lewin's problem isn't too serious and is hopeful he'll be available for the trip to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Abdoulaye Doucoure has a groin issue and is absent for several weeks.

Fabian Delph will be sidelined for longer with a thigh complaint.

In addition, Tom Davies underwent hamstring surgery last month and has been left out of Everton's 25-man Premier League squad.

That suggests he's out for the long term.