Former Tottenham star, Dele Alli has returned to training with the Toffees this week, aiming for his first appearance in over a year. 

The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined Everton in January 2022, made 13 appearances before heading to Besiktas on loan in August of the same year.

Alli’s return to Everton this summer followed a challenging stint with Besiktas, during which he candidly disclosed his battle with a sleeping tablet addiction stemming from childhood traumas. 

Since February, he has been absent from the pitch, diligently addressing a lingering groin injury.

Throughout the summer, Alli was observed training individually, with manager Sean Dyche welcoming him back to the club. 

Everton supporters also expressed their support with a banner at Goodison Park during a match against Fulham, stating, ‘We are with you Dele. Together we are stronger.’

Despite not featuring under Dyche so far, Alli is intensifying his training program and was recently spotted participating in drills on the training pitches alongside his teammates. 

The midfielder was also seen in the gym, working with a medicine ball and sharing an embrace with Abdoulaye Doucoure, who contributed to Everton’s 2-0 victory against Chelsea.

Providing an update ahead of Everton’s recent triumph over Newcastle, Dyche shared that Alli was progressing well, engaging in football-related drills with the sports science and fitness team. 

‘He is going well, he is back on the grass with the sports science and fitness side, going through football-related drills, but the actual freedom to come and join in with us is not there yet,”  the Everton manager said in a press conference.