Dele Alli suffers another devastating setback that could spell the end of his football career

Everton midfielder Dele Alli has suffered yet another setback in his bid to return to the football pitch.

The last few years have been tough for Alli as he battled multiple injury problems which led to the end of his Tottenham Hotspur career.

After moving to Everton in January 2022, Alli again failed to rediscover his best form under Frank Lampard.

The midfielder was then loaned out to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas but a groin injury cut his loan spell short.

After returning to Goodison Park this summer, Alli has worked to return to full fitness despite suffering some setbacks along the way.

Ahead of the Toffee’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Luton Town, manager Sean Dyche has revealed Alli has suffered another setback.

He said: “Dele has required surgery. There is no time scale on his return. It is groin surgery.”

The latest injury could have a real impact on the rest of Alli's career as his contract with Everton is set to expire at the end of the 23/24 season.

Last year, Alli revealed his struggles with mental health during an emotional interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap.

The 27-year-old said: “I was in a bad cycle. I was relying on things that were doing me harm. I was waking up every day, winning the fight going into training every day smiling - willing to show I was happy.

“Inside I was losing the battle and it was time to change. When I was told I needed surgery I could feel the feelings I had when the cycle began.”

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Dyche also revealed last year that Alli has taken on a new role during his recovery.

As per the Daily Mail, Dyche said: “I don't think he would mind me sharing that there probably was a period when (his career) was drifting for him.

“He had a lot going on. Once that came out, it has allowed him the chance to focus on his football and he has been very involved in terms of absorbing.

“He can't get out on the grass with us yet but he is looking at it and he is absorbing what the input from myself and the staff has been.”

He added: “He is clear-minded now. It was very difficult what he was going through, of course. We know that. But he is very willing to share, give an opinion.

“It's a nice knock-on effect that you can share something with the group. You can say: ‘I was chatting with Dele the other day and he said this really important thing.’ We were clear-minded when we were talking about direct football - not just kicking the ball forward.”