Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin admits his injury problems have been hard to take.
The England attacker revealed how suffering setbacks during his spell out of action was “soul-destroying", with the 24-year-old desperate to return to full fitness and contribute for his team.
Calvert-Lewin insists he will emerge from the experience as a “stronger person and player" – and says he now feels fitter than at any point since his comeback. He has started Everton's past two matches and completed the full 90 minutes of Saturday's defeat at Southampton.
“The injury was so frustrating because I started the season so well and I was in a good moment," Calvert-Lewin told evertontv.
“To re-injure the same leg three times, it was soul-destroying at points, and it takes you to the depths of a mental battle.
“It's difficult seeing the boys play and you feel so far away. I'd feel close to coming back and then I was sidelined again.
“You have to dig deep and show courage and character. I feel I'm now a stronger person and a stronger player and off the back of that I'll return to a top level.
“I've been training consistently for a couple of weeks. Now, I feel physically a lot better and much more confident in my body.
“I hold high standards for myself and when you're not quite at that level that you expect, it can become frustrating.
“I'm trying not to get too frustrated with myself. The fitness and sharpness will come and I just need to keep getting in the right areas, doing the work, and I'm sure the goals will follow."
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