- Dele Alli has not played for Everton since August 2022 before going out on loan
- The club is hopeful that the operation will bring long-term benefits for the midfielder
- CHRIS SUTTON: Why don’t clubs sign players? This transfer window must be revived! It all starts
Everton have been hit by a double blow, with Dele Alli undergoing surgery and in-form midfielder Andre Gomes ruled out of Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Luton.
Sean Dyche confirmed the latest setback in 27-year-old Dele’s career when he said the midfielder needed further surgery on his groin.
He has not played since his last loan appearance for Besiktas in February.
‘Dele had to have surgery. There is no timetable for his return. It’s groin surgery.’
Everton will hope the decision to operate will have long-term benefits for Dele, whose career has floundered since reaching the World Cup semi-finals with England in 2018 and the Champions League final for Tottenham two years later.
Dele Alli needs groin surgery, Sean Dyche has revealed – the latest fitness setback for the 27-year-old
Toffees boss Dyche confirmed there is no ‘timetable’ yet for his return to the first team
The Toffees must also make do without Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes, who has injured his calf
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He made just one start for Everton after signing in early 2022, underwent groin surgery last summer and revealed a stint in rehab to recover from addictions caused by childhood trauma.
Dyche will also have to make do without Gomes, whose latest calf injury is being investigated.
The Portuguese midfielder only recently returned from a lengthy absence, scoring Everton’s third-round winner against Crystal Palace with a free-kick.
However, he will not be in action this weekend. Dyche said: “We have lost Andre. We are waiting for news on how long he will be out, but that is unlikely until this weekend.
“It’s a different kind of injury, but (also) in his calf.”
Club captain Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure will also be missing at Goodison.
Both sides are relegation rivals this season – Everton largely due to a 10-point deduction for PSR fouls – but Dyche says: ‘The cup gives a different feeling. We want the players to be clear-headed.
“Luton have used the underdog mentality that I used at Burnley when we came into the Premier League. They’re up for anything, but we’ve created a mentality where we don’t take anyone lightly.”