'We're just trying to get him fit' - Sean Dyche outlines Everton and Dele Alli's priority amid midfielder's constant injury struggles

Dele has endured a remarkably difficult season with injury, as he underwent groin surgery in January and has yet to kick a ball this season. Dele opened up on his mental health struggles in a hugely vulnerable interview with Gary Neville earlier this season, and Dyche admits that he and Everton simply do not care when he is available again, and are focusing on seeing him return to fitness.

Speaking before Everton's clash with West Ham this weekend, Dyche said: "Dele’s focus is just getting fit, nothing other than that. Obviously he’s got a period yet, he’s just focusing on that. Somebody asked me recently and I said we’re trying to just let him get fit. We’re not worried about when he’s available, we’re saying ‘first things first – get fit’ so that’s all we’re looking for him to do and all he’s looking to do."

Dele, of course, enjoyed some truly sensational performances when he was breaking through, twice winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award at Tottenham, and playing at the 2018 World Cup with England. Since joining the Toffees, though, he has made just 13 appearances.

Dele will hope to kick a ball before the end of the season but it is still unclear when he will next play for the Toffees. The club sit 15th in the Premier League after seeing their 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules reduced to six points.