Dele Alli is picking up a new injury as his return to football is put on hold. The midfielder still uses Everton’s facilities, despite being a free agent and not having played for 19 months.

Dele Alli has suffered an injury in his bid to return to full fitness and restart his career.

The former England international has not played competitive football for the past 19 months after an injury ended his spell with Turkish side Besiktas in April 2023. He last played two months earlier.

He has taken advantage of Everton’s training facilities and medical expertise despite being a free agent after his contact with the Toffees expired in the summer and not signing a new contract.

There were hopes he would be able to play again soon, but Everton boss Sean Dyche has given an update on his condition, and it is not good.

Dyche revealed that Alli has suffered a muscle injury which has affected his ability to train, with planned friendlies now on hold due to the latest issue.

Dele Alli has suffered another injury below, halting his return to full fitness

Alli has not played for 19 months and last played for Besiktas in Turkey on loan in February 2023

Everton manager Sean Dyche revealed the news and acknowledged Alli ‘has been struggling’

“He just wants to make sure he’s right,” Dyche said. ‘He’s had a bit of a setback with his fitness, so he’s only just getting into that full recovery period. It’s a light muscle strain, nothing too hard, but because it’s been so long it’s about getting him back into that fully fit zone.

‘It’s not easy, but unfortunately it’s part of being a professional footballer. He’s had a tough time, there’s no doubt about that, and it makes him feel better about himself.

‘It has been a big challenge for him to get through this period, but every time I see him he seems cheerful. He is well aware of the situation.’

The midfielder revealed earlier this year that he was targeting a place at the 2026 World Cup with England, while he anticipates an eventual return to international football.

Alli was previously a regular in England, playing at the 2016 European Championship and the World Cup in Russia two years later, but has not featured since his 37th international appearance five years ago.

“You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder every day at 11am that says: ‘World Cup 2026’,” he told Sky Sports in April. ‘That’s my goal for now. I think people will say, “He hasn’t played in a year,” but I don’t care, I know my level.

‘The only goal I have now is the World Cup. Obviously I am injured and contracted to Everton and so I have to take it every day and make sure that my injury heals and that I am in the best possible condition after the summer.

‘It’s annoying because I don’t fully train until the season is over, so it means I don’t have to rush it.’

Alli uses Everton’s training facilities and medical expertise despite not being contracted to the club

He revealed earlier this year that he is targeting a return to England and a place at the 2026 World Cup

Everton, meanwhile, were open to offering Alli a new contract in August. Dyche said things were “going well” but talks never progressed.

Alli played a total of thirteen games for Everton, in which he did not score a goal.