Fabian Delph will be hoping next season is free from the injury problems which plagued 2020/21.
The Englishman hasn’t really been able to show his best form at Goodison Park because of fitness problems.
A decent pre-season can help a player hugely on that score and Delph is currently working hard alongside his Everton teammates on that score.
The 31-year-old sent a message to Everton fans following a tough day of pre-season training.
Delph has a new manager to impress in Rafa Benitez and that might give him a fresh start at Goodison.
The first thing he needs to do is stay fit. But he is the kind of combative, disciplined midfielder Benitez might like.
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Carlo Ancelotti revamped Everton’s midfield in the summer of 2020 and Delph found himself down the pecking order.
We’ll see where he sits now, and whether he can stay clear enough of injury to stake a concerted claim for a first team place.
He has the experience of winning trophies with Manchester City but needs to step it up this season for Everton.
But he’s suffered a setback because he has to self-isolate and will miss the pre-season tour, as per the Athletic.
He has come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid.
A club statement said: “Everton can confirm that Fabian Delph will not travel with the squad to the Florida Cup in Orlando as a precautionary measure after coming into contact with someone who has since tested positive for Covid-19.
“Delph will resume his pre-season training as soon as his period of self-isolation is over.”