‘Not over until I win!’ - Ex-Tottenham star Dele Alli sends defiant message on future after not playing for nine months

The 27-year-old midfielder has endured a tough time on and off the field of late, with there are being a lot for the ex-England international to contend with. He is nursing an injury at present, which is preventing him from competing for minutes at Goodison Park.

Toffees boss Sean Dyche has revealed that Dele has been offering advice to the club’s coaching staff during another enforced spell on the sidelines. He is, however, eager to get back onto the field as soon as possible and – while working on his fitness in Dubai – has posted a defiant “it’s not over until I win” message on social media.

Dele is only under contract at Everton through to the summer of 2024, meaning that he faces a race against time when it comes to forcing his way into Dyche’s plans. His last appearance for the Toffees came way back on August 13, 2022 in a Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

Dele’s last outing of any kind was on February 23, 2023 during an ill-fated loan spell at Besiktas that saw him restricted to 13 appearances. His application was questioned during a stint in Turkey, before injury cut short another testing period in what was once the most promising of careers.