Sean Dyche issues Dele Alli update at Everton after latest injury costs ace more time
Dele Alli has seen injury cost him more time but he is now returning to training again at Everton, Sean Dyche has revealed.
The Toffees boss shared a new update on the former Tottenham star at his 24 October press conference, saying the 28-year-old is getting “back on the grass” but still needs to build back towards fitness after his most recent set back.
A new contract for the midfielder is believed to have been agreed in principle [Alan Myers, 5 October] but Dele needs to prove his fitness first, while Everton were forced to shelve plans for a programme of behind-the-scenes training matches when he was hurt again [Paul Joyce, 3 October].
Dyche said, via Sky Sports: “Yeah he’s just getting back on the grass again, so building up again from another minor sort of injury.
“But unfortunately it cost him a bit more time and he’s just getting on with trying to get fit.”
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Dyche’s answer was one of a manager who clearly didn’t want to indicate anything concrete, which is little surprise when Dele’s past couple of years have been so difficult.
The intent appears to be there on all sides for him to mount a comeback with the Toffees, but the club clearly have to be careful not to commit to something that won’t work out.
The former England star is stuck in a catch-22 situation of not being able to do much more than use the facilities at Finch Farm unless he is signed to some sort of deal, but without being able to prove enough fitness to indicate signing him to one wouldn’t be a risk.
Pressure should be off either way, but with form on the pitch improving and Dyche looking more secure it could make it easier for Dele to take it one step at a time without fearing the opportunity might be lost imminently.
It remains to be seen what effect The Friedkin Group’s takeover might have on the situation, since investment in the squad is likely, at least in the summer if PSR pressures make it difficult in January.
And while they are thought likely to leave Dyche in place at least until the end of the season as things stand [i News, 22 October] it wouldn’t be a shock for them to let him depart when his contract runs out.
The former Burnley boss appears to have a strong relationship with Dele and after helping manage Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of his own injury nightmare he might be the best option if the midfielder is to make it all the way back.
But whether he is seen as the best option for the future of the club in the new era more widely is another question altogether.
In other Everton news, the Friedkins are likely to have already had conversations about making a “statement signing” once they complete their takeover.
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