Everton defender Ben Godfrey is ‘fully fit and available for Frank Lampard’ following a lengthy injury layoff, journalist Ben Dinnery has informed GiveMeSport.

The 24-year-old has only played 18 minutes of Premier League football so far this season after fracturing his fibula on the opening day of the campaign against Chelsea.

Everton injury news – Ben Godfrey

Godfrey played the full 90 minutes for Everton’s Under-21s in their EFL Trophy clash against Mansfield on November 30 and now appears to be closing in on full fitness after joining in full squad training earlier this week.

And when asked how he is getting on following the session, Godfrey said: “Good. I am loving being back. It felt like a long time, but I am ready to get going again now.

“The physios have done a good job on me, to be fair. They have worked really hard, and I have to thank them, they have put a lot of hours into me.

"I am feeling back strong and fit, and as I say, just ready to go. I appreciate being fit now after so long out.”

Everton host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day in their first fixture back following the mid-season pause for the World Cup, and Godfrey will surely be hoping he can play some part in that crucial clash.

What has Dinnery said about Godfrey?

Dinnery has told GMS that Godfrey has been ‘training really well’ in the build-up to the festive schedule and that he is available for selection.

He said: “He was included in the squad just before, or prior, to the break, and he has featured for the Under-21s as well.

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“He’s training really well, has not been bothered by the injury at all, has done some really good work with the medical department and the physios down there at Everton and has been coming through that.

“So, ultimately, he's put himself in that window and is fully fit and available for Frank Lampard.”

How big a loss has Godfrey been?

Godfrey, who arrived in a £20 million deal from Norwich City, was a mainstay in the Everton starting lineup when fit last season, featuring from the off 23 times in the league and playing across the whole of the backline.

As per WhoScored, the 6 foot ace also averaged four clearances and 0.8 blocks per top-flight fixture throughout 2021/22, placing him in the top three for both metrics when compared to his teammates.

Summer signings James Tarkowski and Conor Coady have marshalled the defence well in his absence, but Godfrey’s return to full fitness will be warmly welcomed by Lampard.