Sean Dyche calls for patience over Dele Alli's Everton future

Sean Dyche admits Dele Alli is ‘miles away’ an Everton squad role due to injury… but the midfielder is ‘feeling good’ after his emotional interview

• Dele Alli was seen in training this week as he steps up his recovery from injury 
• Everton boss Sean Dyche has called for patience over Alli’s future at the club 
• Alli hopes to return to his best after opening up to Gary Neville in an interview 

Everton manager Sean Dyche has admitted Dele Alli is still ‘miles away’ from a place in the first team squad as the midfielder works his way back from injury.

Alli outlined his intentions to get back to his best on the pitch during an emotional interview with Gary Neville last month, where he bravely opened up about his difficulties in recent years.

The 27-year-old revealed that he recently had spent six weeks in a rehab facility in the United States after becoming addicted to sleeping pills.

He also shared details from his traumatic childhood, including the revelation that he was molested as a child by a friend of his mother’s.

Alli was pictured smiling with Everton team-mates this week at the club’s Finch Farm training base, raising suggestions he could play for the Merseyside outfit this year.

Dele Alli, left, has been working his way back to fitness following a hip operation back in April

Everton boss Sean Dyche admits Alli is ‘miles away’ and has called for patience over his role

Dyche had been spotted patting Alli on the back during an Everton training session this week

Dyche has called for patience regarding Alli, with the Everton boss stressing that thoughts are yet to turn to any potential role within his squad.

He insisted the focus currently remains on helping Alli to regain full fitness, after he underwent a hip operation in April which led to his season-long loan at Turkish side Besiktas ending early. 

‘He is still not over his injury yet,’ Dyche said, as reported by The Times. ‘He is well in himself but he is not over his injury.

‘We are miles away from that [thinking about a squad role], he is just getting himself right again.

‘He is feeling good and now we will be working with him, on top of that, to make sure the injury is right. But it is still going to be a bit of time yet.’

Dyche had been seen patting Alli on the back as he participated in the training session this week as the former England international steps up his recovery.

Alli has also been given back the No 20 shirt following his loan at Besiktas, where he made 15 appearances in all competitions.

The midfielder arrived at Everton on deadline day back in 2022 on a permanent deal from Tottenham.

Alli has targeted working his way back to the top level following his interview with Gary Neville

Alli revealed an addiction to sleeping pills and childhood trauma in his interview with Neville

Alli watched Everton’s pre-season win over Sporting Lisbon alongside Seamus Coleman, left

Everton fans displayed a banner of support to Alli following his emotional interview last month

His future is complicated by a clause that would see Everton pay Spurs £10million when he has plays 20 games. Alli only needs to feature seven more times to trigger the clause.

Dyche has backed Alli to revive his career, with the former England international having publicly thanked the Toffees boss for his support. 

Alli had watched Everton’s 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Supporters showed their support to the midfielder, following his emotional interview, with a banner.

Everton will begin their Premier League campaign next Saturday by hosting Fulham. 

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