Dominic Calvert-Lewin's problem at Everton is down to the Goodison Park side being unrecognisable compared to when he was fit earlier in the season.

The England striker has endured a torrid time with injuries restricting him to less than 10 Premier League appearances.

How has Calvert-Lewin performed this season?

It's been nothing short of a disaster for Everton's talisman. He did score three times in his first six league outings, which put him on course for another productive goalscoring return.

However, since suffering a toe injury which saw him miss just under four months of action, it's been very stop-start for the frontman.

He returned to start the Brighton defeat in early February and would start five of the next six league matches.

But since Calvert-Lewin played 90 minutes against Southampton last month, he's been in and out of the team. He wasn't involved against Manchester City due to an abductor injury, and while he would back in the fold to start the 5-0 defeat at Tottenham, his strange period continued when he was left out of the squad that were beaten by Wolves.

This time, though, Lampard confirmed that Calvert-Lewin's absence was due to illness and not injury.

What did Jones say about Calvert-Lewin?

When asked whether there's a problem between Lampard and Calvert-Lewin, Jones told: "I do think there's a problem here in terms of Calvert-Lewin coming back into an Everton team that are unrecognisable from where he was at the start of the season when he was scoring goals."

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Could Calvert-Lewin return against Newcastle?

Judging by recent events, you wouldn't bet on Calvert-Lewin being involved in the game at Goodison Park.

With Everton only above the relegation-zone on goal difference and in desperate need of three points, they badly need him fit, but there's no guarantee that will be the case.

Lampard was asked about whether he thinks Calvert-Lewin will be fit enough to return on Thursday night, but he was simply playing a waiting game. He said: "He's not well, so we'll see."

Whether or not the key striker will be available remains to be seen, but if he doesn't make it, the Toffees need to stand up and be counted in what is surely one of their most important Premier League fixtures for several years.