Sean Dyche reveals Everton’s Dele Alli is ‘peed off’ after being hit with fresh injury blow – as England international approaches TWO YEARS since he last played

Sean Dyche has shed light on Dele Alli’s response to yet another injury setback as the former Tottenham star spends more time on the sidelines.

The midfielder was once one of England’s greatest talents. He scored 46 goals in his first three seasons at Spurs and played a crucial role in the Three Lions’ run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.

The 28-year-old last played competitively in February 2023 during a loan spell at Turkish club Besiktas. He has been training with Everton since his contract at Goodison Park expired last summer.

Dele had hoped to land a contract with Dyche’s side, who allowed the England international to continue training with them, but according to former Toffees scout Bryan King, their patience has reached a limit.

It had been hoped that Dele would be ready to make a sensational comeback, but the midfielder then suffered a muscle injury that affected his ability to train.

Now Dyche has given an insight into the Englishman’s state of mind after the latest blow of his career.

The Englishman is preparing for a comeback to football after a 22-month absence

Dyche has revealed that Dele is currently spending some time abroad

He said: “Dele has had a little something but he’s just taking a time out because he’s obviously had a few now and he’s just peed on it.

“So we’re keeping an eye on that at the moment. He is currently abroad, but working.

‘It’s just a pause to come in, you know what it’s like, it grabs you then, so we said, “Yes, yes, of course”.’

The fitness group appear keen to end Dele’s spell after two years out of the game, with the free agent struggling to get back on the pitch.

King recently revealed that the midfielder may have to wait until next summer to complete a deal as he aims to return to full strength in the youth teams.

He told it Goodison News: ‘The road is only getting longer for Alli. Decisions will be made when he can return to play.

‘He will have to play for at least six months with the Under-21s before the club can decide whether it is worth offering him a new contract.

‘He has a lot to prove if he wants to earn another contract. It’s a shame because he was a very good footballer, and I imagine he still is once he can get back to full fitness.”

The star was a key figure for England after bursting onto the scene and scoring at the 2018 World Cup

He scored 46 goals in his first three seasons at Spurs under Mauricio Pochettino

His last competitive game was on loan at Besiktas in February 2023

The midfielder revealed earlier this year that he was targeting a place at the 2026 World Cup with England, while he anticipates an eventual return to international football.

Alli was previously a regular in England, playing at the 2016 European Championship and the World Cup in Russia two years later, but has not featured since his 37th international appearance five years ago.

“You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder every day at 11am that says: ‘World Cup 2026’,” he told Sky Sports in April. ‘That’s my goal for now. I think people will say, “He hasn’t played in a year,” but I don’t care, I know my level.

‘The only goal I have now is the World Cup. Obviously I am injured and contracted to Everton and so I have to take it every day and make sure that my injury heals and that I am in the best possible condition after the summer.

‘It’s annoying because I don’t fully train until the season is over, so it means I don’t have to rush it.’

Everton, meanwhile, were open to offering Alli a new contract in August. Dyche said things were “going well” but talks never progressed.

Alli played a total of thirteen games for Everton, in which he did not score a goal.