Dele Alli’s Everton comeback bid has been dealt a fresh blow.
The playmaker was preparing to return to action next month for the first time in a year after being sidelined since February with a long-term groin issue.
Sean Dyche admitted that the Blues would be carefully managing Alli’s road to recovery as he seeks to reignite his career following a torrid 11 months.
But the England international confirmed on Sunday that he has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation programme which will delay that planned return.
“Unfortunately the year isn’t ending as I would have hoped,” Alli wrote on Instagram.
“I had been close to returning to full training but frustratingly I’ve had another setback with my injury.
“I’ll be out again for short while but my outlook and mentality is nothing but positive.
“I’ll be attacking my physiotherapy and giving it everything to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”