‘Talented people’ - Frank Lampard explains Everton backroom changes to improve injury record

Frank Lampard has explained the changes made to Everton’s medical department as the treatment room starts to clear up.

Lampard was hindered by a lack of availability after taking charge at Goodison Park in January. During the successful battle for Premier League survival last season, key players including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey all had issues.

But this term, injuries haven’t been as harsh on Everton. As things stand, Andros Townsend is the only player not in full training as he recovers from a long-term ACL injury.

Everton have made recent backroom appointments, such as poaching Jack Nayler from RB Leipzig to become head of sports science.

Lampard believes hiring key personnel, coupled with recruiting players such as Conor Coady and James Tarkowski who have regularly been available throughout their respective careers, has been key.

The Toffees manager said: “We’ve made a couple of changes in the medical department, brought in some talented people and people in the sports science area as well.

“It’s important to say at that point that it’s not their responsibility as a department. There are always contributing factors to injuries - some were long-term injuries when I came in.

“It’s a constant challenge for all teams. You look around and some teams are having what can be seen as a crisis - Liverpool recently seeing the of players that can’t play. We all have it at certain times and you have to do the best you can and cover as many bases as you can.

“Some of that is the recruitment players who you feel are robust and have a history of playing multiple games because that normally means they’ve put something right together in terms of how they maintain themselves. A mixture of players, trying to improve certain departments, communicating and get the players to optimum level to keep them fit.”