- Como boss Cesc Fabregas has provided an update on the fitness of Dele Alli
- Alli was named in a matchday squad last weekend for the first time in two years
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is Alisson the best goalkeeper in the Premier League?
Como boss Cesc Fabregas has vowed to ‘take care’ of Dele Alli as the former Tottenham star closes in on his long-awaited return to action.
Last weekend, as Como lost 2-1 away to Roma, Alli was named on the bench, which represented his first inclusion in a matchday squad for two years.
Although he didn’t enter the pitch it was still a significant moment for Alli, who joined Como in January after he left Everton at the end of last season.
Fabregas stated that Alli isn’t yet ready to play and that he is waiting for the right moment before deciding to give the former England international his debut.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Fabregas said: ‘It’s a progression for him.
‘He came with us to Rome. He’s not yet ready to play, he will be on the bench tomorrow as well, and then we’ll see… I need to feel the right moment to bring him in.
Como boss Cesc Fabregas has provided an update regarding the fitness of Dele Alli
Fabregas has vowed to look after Alli and will give him an opportunity when the time is right
‘He is growing and making important progress. We need to guide him, take care of him, and get him on the field in the best possible condition.’
Como are currently in 13th place in Serie A having won seven, drawn seven and lost 13 of their games so far this campaign.
After commencing his career at MK Dons, Alli joined Tottenham and established himself as one of the standout young talents in the Premier League.
Across 269 appearances for Tottenham Alli scored 67 goals and provided 55 assists.
However, Alli’s form declined and a move to Everton followed before he was later loaned out to Besiktas.
In July 2023, he spoke about becoming addicted to sleeping pills during his time in Turkey.
Alli said: ‘Now is the right time for me to tell people what’s been going on.
‘It’s tough to talk about because it’s something I’ve hid for a long time. I’m scared to talk about it.
Last weekend Alli was named in a matchday squad for the first time in two years
‘When I came back from Turkey I found out I needed an operation I was in a bad place mentally and I decided to go to a modern day rehab facility for mental health.
‘They deal with addiction and trauma. I felt it was time for me. You can’t be told to go there – you have to know and make the decision yourself or it’s not going to work.
‘I was caught in a bad cycle and things that were doing me harm.’
