Dele Alli has joined Everton’s squad for pre-season training.
The midfielder continues to work towards full fitness at the Toffees’ Finch Farm training base, having not played a match in more than a year.
It was a gamble taken by then-manager Frank Lampard, with Dele’s form dipping markedly at Spurs having previously been regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
Dele then attended a rehabilitation clinic in America last summer due to an addition to sleeping pills, while he bravely opened up about being abused by his mother’s friend at the age of six and revealed he was forced to sell drugs aged eight.
However, he was unable to make a playing return in 2023-24 and required another operation for a groin issue around the new year.
Dele’s contract has expired yet Everton are ensuring that he gets back to full fitness. They want to see that he makes a full recovery as the 28-year-old aims towards making a comeback.
Director of football Kevin Thelwell said: “Dele’s contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him while he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme
