Everton boss Sean Dyche will consider U21 action for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Liverpool Echo says Dyche could consider giving Calvert-Lewin minutes with Everton's U21s as part of his progress toward match fitness.

Calvert-Lewin has been out of action with a hamstring injury since playing the first hour of Dyche's first game in charge, the 1-0 home win over Arsenal on February 4.

But he is nearing a return and joined first-team training at Finch Farm on Thursday.

The 25-year-old was not ready to be introduced to the matchday squad for the 1-0 home victory over Brentford on Saturday, though, and with a 16-day break after next weekend's trip to Chelsea, and Dyche stressing the importance of time to his recovery, he could be absent at Stamford Bridge.