Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed the extent of his work over the summer in a bid to build the strongest possible foundation of fitness ahead of a “massive” 2023/24 season.
Everton's number 9 was in impressive form at the back end of last campaign before suffering a hamstring injury in the penultimate game at Wolves.
Hungry to begin the road to recovery as soon as possible, the 26-year-old worked through the summer break on his rehabilitation, which included more than a week in Munich, Germany to aid the process.
Speaking to evertontv from the Club’s pre-season camp in Lake Geneva, Calvert-Lewin said: “I'm progressing really well and feeling good. I'm just upping and upping it every day, every week so far.
“I was back in before the lads as well, so this is more like my third week back in rather than my first.
“I worked pretty much all the way through the off-season. I tried to have a little rest but for the most part, I just wanted to be back on the grass and running around playing football.
“The work I did was done to put myself in the best position possible for the new season. Obviously, it's a massive season for myself and for the Club. For me, it's about getting back to the level that I know I'm capable of getting to on a consistent basis.
“That's been the frustrating thing for myself and everybody watching, because I think people know what I'm capable of doing on the pitch and know I can affect games, so to not be able to do that consistently has been very frustrating — and that's why I've done the extra work.
“It’s going well and I’m building up to where I want to be.”
Discussing his time at the renowned neuro-training centre in Germany, Calvert-Lewin explained: “Obviously, after finishing the season not how I wanted to finish it on a personal note, it was a time to re-evaluate and start to build better foundations with my body.
“It was really good. It was an opportunity for me to get some extra training and extra work in. I was there for just over a week, doing double sessions.
“It makes it feel better when the games aren't being played and everyone else is on their holidays so you don't feel the rush of telling yourself, ‘Get back fit, get back fit'.
“I was able to go there and do some work that is going to stand me in good stead for this season.”
Now reunited with his teammates in the idyllic setting of the French-Swiss Alps, the hard work for Everton’s senior players is well under way.
Sean Dyche’s first pre-season as Blues boss has ramped up with a week away from Finch Farm, culminating in a match against Swiss club Stade Nyonnais in Nyon on Friday 14 July (6pm local time, 5pm BST).
“I always love the pre-season trips away,” says Calvert-Lewin. “It's beautiful here. I always think warm-weather training is great and, obviously, to be around the lads every day for a week is great for team bonding.
“I’m sure we'll do some bits, some activities together. It always brings the team closer together and builds good momentum and team spirit going into the new season.
“I think when you're working hard but you're able to enjoy it as well — that's always the best mix. The lads are pretty relaxed but when it's time to work, of course, it's time to work hard.”
Over the summer, Calvert-Lewin also announced the life-changing news that he will soon become a father for the first time.
“I'm absolutely over the moon,” he added. “Words can't really describe what I'm feeling at the moment — me and my missus. We're very excited.
“It's not actually that far away and it still feels quite surreal but I'm a family man so I'm looking forward to it.”
