Dominic Calvert-Lewin confirms the game he’s targeting to make his Everton return from injury

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed he’s aiming to be back fit for Everton’s Boxing Day trip to Burnley.

The striker's hopeful that he'll finally put his injury nightmare behind him and return to the first-team fray.

Background

Calvert-Lewin has endured a prolonged period on the sidelines.

The England international plundered three goals in as many games for Rafa Benitez's side at the start of the season.

However, he has not played since the Toffees' 2-0 victory at Brighton on August 28.

Calvert-Lewin has been hampered by quad injury and his issue recurred when he was close to making a return earlier in the campaign.

But now he's coming towards the end of his rehab period and is targeting being involved against Burnley.

Surprising a 13-year-old fan, Dylan, as part of Everton’s True Blue Campaign in the lead up to Christmas, Calvert-Lewin confirmed he’s aspiring to feature at Turfmoor.

In a heartwarming video, Calvert-Lewin said: “Hopefully I’ll be back in training next week and hopefully playing Boxing Day.

“I’ve never really suffered with muscle injuries. I did a bit as a kid but it’s the first time my body has really let me down.

“It’s difficult because footy is my purpose. It’s been difficult at times.

“To get so close to coming back and get injured again, that’s why it’s been so difficult this time around.”

How big of a boost will it be to Everton?

A huge one. Given the raft of injury problems at Goodison Park this season, Calvert-Lewin's has been felt more than many others.

The centre-forward was thriving at the beginning of the campaign and relished the early crosses that were being sent in from the flanks.

In his absence, Salomon Rondon has struggled since his summer arrival and scored only once.

Meanwhile, Richarlison has suffered from not having Calvert-Lewin alongside him and had a period out on the treatment table himself.