Dele Alli looks set to return to Everton …and get one last shot at a career resurrection.
The former England star has returned to the UK from his loan club Besiktas following a hip injury which could require surgery, and Blues boss Sean Dyche suggested he is likely to now remain back with the Merseyside club.
Dele was pictured recently with a balloon in his mouth, surrounded by what appeared to be nitrous oxide canisters, which prompted a pointed warning from Dyche, following talks with the player.
Asked what those conversations were about, he said: “About his injury, how he saw it. How he saw his time on loan and how he saw what he wants to do.
“First thing first is get the injury right. As regards football. Anything else is down to him. Some of it is common sense, do the right things and you know what the right things are.
“Some of the stuff that’s been reported… He’s 27. He knows (what) he should or shouldn’t be doing - as a manager, you can’t control everything they do in their lives. What am I meant to do? Follow him around every minute of every day they live their lives?
"You can only guide players with what’s good for them. Eventually, players have their own choices to make. Of course, you want them to make good choices. It’s going to take some time to get sorted out, so hopefully he uses this period wisely. And yes, I have spoken to him.”
Dyche though, also revealed that Dele has indicated he wants to get his career back on track…and that looks certain to be back with Everton as he does rehab, with the Blues boss adding:
“I just got a sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well. Decisions will be made over the next few days over whether he needs an op or not.
“So there isn’t anything other than getting him fit. I’ve heard all the noise, I’ve heard all the opinions and I’m pretty sure that you’re aware that I like to make my own. But he needs to get fit.
Asked where the rehab will take place he said: “We are going to work that out between the clubs because in theory he is [a Besiktas] player contractually. He will get either full distant support if they really wanted to rehab, but they will probably be like ‘just carry on with that’ I would imagine.”
