Sean Dyche suggests 27-year-old won’t be playing for Everton any time soon

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Sean Dyche has delivered an honest update on Dele Alli, with the Everton midfielder still on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old hasn’t featured for eleven months after a string of injury issues and a torrid loan spell with Besiktas.

Alli underwent groin surgery last month, making any first-team comeback a long shot at present.

Sean Dyche delivers damning Dele Alli verdict

Dyche has once again spoken out on Alli’s current injury problems and confirmed that the midfielder is far from returning to first-team action.

Talking to The Daily Mail, the Everton boss admitted he doesn’t know when the midfielder will return to action.

“We’ll see. There’s a long way to go. We’ve deliberately kept him back; we agreed with him to give him time and space. Hopefully he’ll be back, we just don’t know,” said Dyche (via The Daily Mail).

“We’ve given him the privacy he needs at this time. He’s in good shape. I spoke to him recently, and we had a good long conversation with him.”

Dele Alli in Everton limbo

Alli’s fall from grace has been remarkable.

The attacking midfielder was once regarded among the most highly-thought-of youngsters in world football; now, he can barely stay fit for 90 minutes.

Dyche’s comments should provide the former Tottenham man with comfort. The Everton boss is trying his best to support Alli, who is potentially struggling to understand where his once excellent career has fallen.

Alli’s contract is up in the summer, which could open the door for his departure. The loan move to Turkey was a disaster from start to finish. Potentially, a new permanent home would be the best move for Alli as he looks to turn his career around.

Considering he’s still only 27, there’s plenty of time for the midfielder to succeed. Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley is enjoying a revival at Kenilworth after seeing his career spiral during his mid-twenties.

Alli undoubtedly has natural talent; it’s now about finding fitness and the right club to get the midfielder’s career firmly back on track.

Potentially dropping down to the Championship or looking to sign for a promoted club could be the way forward for the former England international.