Sean Dyche has revealed what Dele Alli has told him about his injury as he looks to return to the Everton side.

Speaking to The Guardian on Wednesday (6 December), the Toffees boss said the 27-year-old is back training on the grass after he was "so unlucky" when he suffered a setback with his hip injury at the start of October.

But he added that the English midfielder told him he was "feeling great" when he saw him earlier this week, with Dyche hoping he will start "blending in" with the rest of the squad over the next week or so.

"He is back on the grass with the sports science/fitness side, going through football-related drills, but the actual freedom to join in with us is not there yet," said Dyche.

"Hopefully over the next week he will start 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 with us would be really pleasing for him because he has been so unlucky.

"The last time, 12-13 weeks ago when he was going to join in, he was so unlucky with the damage that was done.

But the good news is that everything is settling down and he is feeling good.

I saw him earlier and he said: 'I'm feeling great.

'"Needs timeIt's positive news to hear that Alli is feeling good despite the setback he suffered two months ago as he looks to get himself back in shape.

The midfielder has had a miserable time over the past few years, but he will be looking to put that behind him once he eventually returns to the fold.

Dyche will be cautious about asking too much of him too quickly, though, as the last thing anyone wants is for him to suffer another setback and be out for even longer.

If the Englishman can get back to anywhere near his best, then he could prove to be a real asset for the Toffees throughout the rest of the season.

There is no doubt that the Blues faithful will be right behind him after they showed him great support recently when he opened up about the terrible problems he faced in his childhood.

In other Everton news, Paul Merson has made a brand new Toffees prediction.

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