It has been over a year since Dele Alli played a competitive game of football.
Since making a 45-minute cameo for Besiktas in a 0-0 draw against Antalyaspor in February 2022, the former England international has been incredibly unfortunate with injuries.
His season-loan deal at the Turkish club came to an end in April after he needed surgery to repair a tendon injury. He was, however, close to returning for Everton's pre-season campaign.
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But the midfielder has since picked up further setbacks, including surgery on his groin last month. It's been a frustrating spell on the sidelines for Alli but positive news could be on the horizon.
A report from The Athletic suggests Alli is making positive progress as he works his way through a rehabilitation programme, and is eager to repay the faith shown in him.
In fact, Everton are clearly optimistic about his future, with the club being 'open' to handing him a new deal – although clarity will 'almost certainly' have to wait until the summer.
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Alli, who bravely opened up on his mental health struggles in July, has been working hard to make a return. In fact, he has been contributing to on-field matters as a makeshift coach at Finch Farm, according to Sean Dyche.
“I don't think he would mind me sharing that there probably was a period when (his career) was drifting for him," Dyche said in November.
“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.
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“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."
Dyche added: “It's a case of us having a coffee in the canteen. You'll say: ‘Hey, Dele, how is it going? What are your thoughts?’ He'll point out little things. ‘I thought that, I thought this.’
"It's just a natural combination where we like players to share a view. 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.’
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"We were clear-minded when we were talking about direct football - not just kicking the ball forward.
“He said it was very similar to when Pochettino first went in at Tottenham. He used to talk about it all the time. He seems to me to be very secure in himself. "He's more than happy to share what he is thinking. These are amazing things he's experienced. People, sometimes, lose sight of that.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: Everton, Dele Alli, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur
