Micah Richards has admitted that he is very worried about Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the former defender has claimed he can’t get anything right for Everton at the moment after suffering yet another injury.
Calvert-Lewin was previously a fan favourite at Goodison Park as he netted 29 goals across two seasons in the Premier League. However, his fitness rapidly declined and he has since been sidelined for over 200 days in total.
The striker made his long-awaited comeback as the Toffees travelled to Villa Park at the weekend, before he was forced off with a fractured cheekbone in the first half following a collision with Emiliano Martinez.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is an ‘easy target’ for Everton fans
Calvert-Lewin received both support and abuse from fans following his withdrawal and Richards has admitted his concerns for the England international’s mental health.
“What struck me from that game apart from the abysmal defending was Calvert-Lewin getting another injury,” Richards said.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“I’ve been in this position and I can sympathise. Over the past 18 months, because Calvert-Lewin is quite fashionable and is seen on the front of magazines, now people say that he’s not concentrating on his football. It’s not fair to judge someone just because they do that.
“The reason why the manager has put him in is because he believes in him and he’s working hard to come back, but unfortunately he’s going through one of them times where he can’t get anything right and that can play on your mental health. It’s very difficult when people are constantly saying negative things about you because then you start thinking negatively.
“He just needs one goal, get his confidence back and no injuries and we can all see what a good player he is. But I just hope people stop judging him outside of the field because it’s an easy target.”