Sean Dyche says Dele Alli is still 'miles away' from returning to Everton, claiming patience is required for the star midfielder.
Dele, who moved to Everton during the January transfer window in 2022, spent last season on loan in Turkey at Besiktas.
He played 15 games in all competitions and scored three goals before an injury curtailed his season.
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The 27-year-old suffered a hip injury which cut his loan spell short at the Turkish club.
Dele is still recovering from his knock, but Dyche states the player is doing 'well' after giving an extremely emotional interview to Gary Neville.
Speaking after Everton's 1-0 victory over Sporting CP, the Toffees boss told The Times: "He is still not over his injury yet. He is well in himself but he is not over his injury.
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"We are miles away from that (thinking about his role in the squad), he is just getting himself right again."
Dyche added: "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."
Dele has struggled to find his feet at Goodison Park following his transfer from Spurs. He's played just 13 games for the club, having spent last season away from the Merseyside outfit.
He's entering the final year of his Everton deal, which expires in June 2024.
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Dele will be hoping to rediscover his form from his early days at Spurs in a bid to resurrect his career.
Everton, meanwhile, being their 2023/24 Premier League campaign at home to Fulham next Saturday.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Sean Dyche, Dele Alli, Everton, Football