Marcus Bent concedes it will come as a huge blow if Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Calvert-Lewin was forced to pull out of the England squad during the current international break due to nursing a broken toe and thigh strain.

The 24-year-old, who has scored four goals in 11 Three Lions appearances, has sustained the injury following a promising start to the campaign.

Under the guidance of new Everton boss Rafa Benitez, who was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor despite a successful stint in charge of arch-rivals Liverpool, Calvert-Lewin has scored in all three of the Toffees' Premier League fixtures so far.

Calvert-Lewin, who was reportedly on Real Madrid's radar after previous chief Ancelotti took charge of the Spanish giants during the summer, is hoping to build on a fruitful campaign which saw him find the back of the net on 21 occasions.

Former Everton striker Bent is desperate for Calvert-Lewin to make a speedy recovery.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: "Calvert-Lewin's injury is a massive blow. Being injured is not a good thing but, going forward, he has the best people helping him to come back.

"I want him to get fit, well and do as well as he did last season. We need him back and the fans need him back because they love him and want to see him score goals.

"We can't rush him back but he will be back soon."