Everton manager Sean Dyche has now provided an update on the fitness of midfielder Dele Alli ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Fulham.
Indeed, Dyche revealed that the 27-year-old remains ‘miles away’ from full fitness and will miss the start of the season for the Toffees.
Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Sporting CP and reported via The Times, the Everton boss said: “He (Dele) is still not over his injury yet. He is well in himself but he is not over his injury yet.
We are miles away from that [thinking about role in squad], he is just getting himself right again, he is feeling good and now we will be working with him, on top of that, to make sure the injury is right. But it is still going to be a bit of time yet.”
Everton will hopefully help Dele Alli return to the form he is renowned for
The £40m midfielder recently gave an emotional interview to Gary Neville on The Overlap YouTube channel in which he discussed many of the personal issues he has faced throughout his life.
Indeed, Dele Alli’s raw interview recently prompted Everton fans to unveil a banner at Goodison Park in support of the England international, with the words ‘Believe Dele’.
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Everyone would love to see the former Spurs man get back to his best, but while he remains sidelined through injury, patience is required.
The 27-year-old is yet to play for Sean Dyche at Everton, having spent last season on loan at Turkish side Besiktas, though he could play a huge role at Goodison Park this season once fit.
There is no doubt of Dele’s ability, and he could be the creative outlet that Everton have been lacking in recent seasons.
Indeed, once fit, Sean Dyche could build his attack around the 27-year-old, who will hopefully rebuild his career at Goodison Park.