DELE ALLI is nearing a return to football as he steps up his recovery from a groin injury.
The Everton star has not played since February due to the issue.
But the 27-year-old is now training again and has been running on grass for the first time.
Dele is reportedly on course for a comeback in the new year.
Manager Sean Dyche revealed: “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.
“Hopefully over the next week he will start slowly blending in.
“He still has a bit to go because he has been out for a long time, he needs a game programme.
“But to get him back on with us would be really pleasing for him because he has been so unlucky.”
Dele has managed just 13 appearances since joining Everton in 2022.
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He was loaned out to Besiktas last season but was unable rediscover his old form shown at Tottenham, scoring just two goals.
Dele bravely opened up in the summer about the trauma he suffered as a child.
The 37-time capped England star revealed he was sexually abused by a friend of his mum aged six.
He also said he dealt drugs aged eight, spent time in rehab and got an addiction to sleeping pills.
His story lead to a banner of support being held up by classy Everton fans earlier this season.
