Dele Alli update emerges amid behind-the-scenes development at Everton
Sean Dyche has confirmed that free agent Dele Alli has sustained another injury setback in Everton training.
The 28-year-old is currently out of contract as his deal at Goodison Park ran out on 30 June but he’s continued to use their facilities for training and to return to full fitness.
There were hopes that he could be closing in on a first-team return after a lengthy injury lay-off but he is still some way away from it.
Dyche said, as quoted by the Daily Mail on 4 October: “He’s just making sure he’s right. He’s had a bit of a slip back with his fitness so he is just in that total recovery period. It’s a slight muscle strain, nothing too heavy, but because it’s been so long it is about getting him back into that fully fit zone.
“It’s not easy but unfortunately it is part of being a professional footballer. He has had a tough run of it, there is no doubt about that, and on the back of him feeling better about himself.
“To have this period out has been very challenging for him but whenever I see him he seems to be in good.”
Everton must weigh the risks and rewards if they are to offer Dele Alli a contract
Re-signing the 28-year-old could indeed pose a significant risk for the Toffees, primarily due to his prolonged injury setbacks and the uncertainty over when, or indeed if, he’ll regain full match fitness.
Despite his undeniable talent, the recurrent injuries mean that Alli’s availability and performance reliability are questionable, potentially leaving Everton with a high-wage player who might not be able to contribute regularly.
Given his recent history, unless Alli agrees to a contract with extremely low wages, reflective of his current fitness and contribution risks, the financial outlay might not align with the practical benefits for the club.
The investment in a player who’s yet to prove his return to form and fitness could divert resources from more certain prospects or squad improvements.
Dyche also will have learnt a lot about him having watched him train week in and week out and the onus will also be on him to get the best out of Alli.
Hopefully, the attacking midfielder can manage to regain his fitness and become a prolific player once again.
In other Everton news, Alan Myers has issued an update on the takeover as A-Cap’s lawyers have issued a response.
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