‘Great performer’ could return to action for Everton against Southampton or Man Utd

Frank Lampard is hopeful Jordan Pickford will return to Everton duty for their first game back after the international break.

The goalkeeper will miss tomorrow's Premier League clash against West Ham United due to a thigh injury.

Pickford, who has served as Toffees captain this season, also is not fit enough for England duty later this month.

Everton return to action on Saturday 1 October when they travel to Southampton before they host Manchester United the following weekend.

And Lampard reckons Pickford will be back for either of those games, with Asmir Begovic set to deputise in the meantime.

The Goodison boss said: "It's a really big loss because we all know what a great goalkeeper Jordan is. Great performer, big personality.

“We have a very strong No.2 in Begovic. He's a No.1 for me in terms of performance levels. That's a real strength of ours within the squad.

“We all know what a great goalkeeper Jordan is for us a great performer big personality, but we are very fortunate to have Asmir Begovic, who is a No. 1 in terms of his performance levels

“We are looking at Southampton and Manchester United. On the good side, Southampton, on the not-so-good side Man Utd. It is a muscle injury and we have to be careful for the rehab. We'll keep monitoring that throughout.”