'He is only here to train' - Cesc Fabregas provides uncertain update on Dele Alli as ex-Tottenham star fights to rebuild career at Como

The former Tottenham and England star has been training with the Italian club since last month as he looks to return to match fitness and make his return to the game. The 28-year-old has been without a club since leaving Everton in the summer and has not played a competitive match since February 2023.

His arrival at Como sparked hope that he could join Fabregas's men in their bid to stay in Serie A beyond this season, with the minnows sitting a point outside of the relegation zone, but the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is giving no guarantees when it comes to game time.

"Dele Alli, he's training with us, he's fine. For the moment he is only here to train," Fabregas told reporters. "We are here to help him find a little shape and give him positive feelings. He was a fantastic player, I faced him so many times. If I can help him find himself, I'll gladly do it."

He added: "He's working with us, he hasn't played a game in a long time. He came back to breathe the air of a team. In Marbella worked a bit with the group, it was a request of the club to bring him with us. I see him in the role of Nico Paz, who is a very important player for us. We are here to help him, we hope he can return to what he once was."

Dele has not signed a contract with the Italian club so is not eligible for selection by Fabregas, but that could change if he is able to convince the Spaniard that he can strengthen the team.