Once one of his country's hottest prospects, Dele's last match was in Feb 2023
Midfielder picked up another knock last week and has spent time abroad since
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By SAM LAWLEY
Published: 12:00 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 12:01 EST, 4 December 2024
Sean Dyche has shed light on Dele Alli's reaction to yet another injury setback, as the former Tottenham star faces more time on the sidelines.
The midfielder was once one of England's hottest prospects, bagging 46 goals across his first three seasons at Spurs and playing a pivotal role in the Three Lions' run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
The 28-year-old last played competitively in February 2023 during a loan spell with the Turkish club Besiktas. He has been training with Everton since his contract at Goodison Park expired last summer.
Dele had been hopeful of securing a contract with Dyche's side, who allowed the England international to keep training with them, but, according to the Toffees' former scout Bryan King, their patience has a limit.
There had been hopes that Dele would be ready to make a sensational comeback but the midfielder then picked up a muscle injury that impacted his ability to train.
Now Dyche has given an insight into the Englishman's state of mind following the latest blow to his career.
Sean Dyche has explained that Dele Alli is 'peed off' after picking up a muscle injury last month
The Englishman has been gearing up a comeback to football following 22 months out
Dyche has revealed that Dele is spending some time out of the country at the moment
He said: 'Dele has had a minor thing but he's just taking a time out because obviously he's had a few now and he's just peed off with it.
'So, we're just monitoring that at the minute. He's abroad at the minute but working.
'It's just a break from coming in, you know what it's like, it grips you then, so we said: "Yeah, yeah, of course".'
The fitness concern looks set to take Dele's spell away from the game beyond two years as the free agent struggles to get back on the pitch.
Indeed, King recently revealed that the midfielder might have to wait until next summer to agree a deal with any time, as he aims to return to full strength in the youth teams.
He told Goodison News: 'The road is only getting longer for Alli. Decisions will be made when he can start playing again.
'He will need to be playing with the Under-21s for at least six months before the club can decide whether it is worth offering him a new contract.
'He has got a lot to prove if he wants to earn another contract. It is a shame because he was a very good footballer, and I’d imagine he still is if he can get back to full fitness.'
The midfielder revealed earlier this year that he had been targeting a spot at the 2026 World Cup with England as he looks at an eventual return to international football.
The star was a key figure for England after he broke onto the scene, scoring at World Cup 2018
He scored 46 goals across his first three seasons at Spurs under Mauricio Pochettino (right)
His last competitive appearance came on a loan spell at Besiktas in February 2023
Alli previously starred as an England regular and played at Euro 2016 and the World Cup in Russia two years later, but hasn't featured since making his 37th international appearance five years ago.
'You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, "World Cup 2026",' he said on Sky Sports in April. 'That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, "he hasn't played in a year" but I don't care, I know my level.
'The only target I have is the World Cup right now. Obviously I'm injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I'm in the best possible condition after the summer.
'It's annoying because I'll be just fully training as the season ends so it means that I won't have to rush it.'
Everton were, meanwhile, open to offering Alli a new contract in August. Dyche said things were 'ticking along nicely', but talks never progressed.
Alli has made a total of 13 appearances for Everton, failing to score a goal.