England international Dele Alli is working on his recovery with Everton, who remain open to offering him a deal depending on his progress
Dele has suffered a minor setback in his efforts to return to fitness. The 28-year-old is dealing with a muscle strain endured after he stepped up his rehabilitation work at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground this summer.
Providing an update on the England international’s status, Sean Dyche said ahead of his side’s game with Newcastle United on Saturday: “He’s just making sure he’s right. He’s had a little bit of a slip back with his fitness so he is just in that total recovery period.”
The Blues boss said the strain is not directly related to the groin problem that required surgery last year and which has not seen Dele play competitive football since his loan spell in Turkey with Besiktas.
READ MORE: Jarrad Branthwaite in fight to face Newcastle as new Everton injury issue emergesREAD MORE: Joe Royle reveals what Sean Dyche did for him and what he dearly wants for Everton
Dyche said there was no timescale on his return, adding: “He’s been out that long it’s just about making sure everything is right.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur star’s contract with Everton expired in the summer but he has taken up the offer of continued support from the club through his recovery.
The Blues are open to offering a new deal to Dele depending on the strength of his comeback, with director of football Kevin Thelwell having addressed terms with Spurs that may have been prohibitive to the club choosing to pursue a move.
Asked how Dele was dealing with the new issue, Dyche said: “It’s not easy but unfortunately it is part of being a professional footballer. Not for all, of course. I had a year out with my back, played one game and then did my back again the next week.
“You work for six or seven months and then you’re out for another seven months, it’s hard. Your body is the tool you need and if it breaks down it is really difficult but you find your way through it.
“Players are fortunate now. With me, my career was on the line. Now most of these guys, not all, make enough money to look after themselves for the future. Not that it’s about that, it doesn’t make it feel any better when you’re injured, but it’s worse when you’re injured for that long and you don’t know what is coming next and you are on the breadline. That’s a whole different ball game.
“But 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 spirits. He’s well aware of the situation.”