Dele Alli’s hopes of completing his recovery and returning to full fitness have been hampered by a new muscle strain, leading Everton’s medical and coaching staff to delay a series of planned practice matches for the former England international.

Dele has been meticulously working to regain fitness after undergoing surgery earlier this year to address a long-standing quadriceps injury. This injury has contributed to his 19-month absence from competitive football, following the premature end of his loan spell at Besiktas in April last year.

Although no longer under contract with Everton, the club has allowed him access to their facilities at Finch Farm and the support of their medical staff to aid his rehabilitation. The aim is for him to achieve full fitness, potentially leading to a short-term contract offer from the club.

He was scheduled to take part in behind-closed-doors training sessions and friendly matches to build up his strength and match fitness. However, as Everton manager Sean Dyche explained, Dele has encountered a minor setback.

“He’s just ensuring everything is right,” said Dyche. “He’s had a slight setback with his fitness, so he remains in the recovery phase. It’s only a minor muscle strain — nothing too serious — but because he’s been out for so long, it’s important we make sure he returns fully fit.

“It’s never easy, but unfortunately, this is part of a professional footballer’s life. He’s had a difficult time of it, especially after starting to feel better.

“Being sidelined for such a long period has been incredibly challenging for him, but he seems to be in good spirits whenever I see him. He’s fully aware of the situation.”