Sean Dyche has admitted that Dele is still ‘not close’ to returning to action for Everton.

The Toffees are struggling when it comes to availability as they welcome Premier League champions Manchester City to Goodison Park tomorrow (20.15 GMT).

Abdoulaye Docuoure (hamstring) is set to miss a third successive game while Idrissa Gana Gueye limped off in the 2-1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur and is not expected to feature.

It means that Everton are lacking midfield options while Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman have also been sidelined. Dele hasn’t played for Everton since May 2022.

The former England international spent last season on loan a Besiktas but that spell was cut short as he required hip surgery in April while he has been struggling with a calf issue.

Dele has resumed training, but he hasn’t yet received any playing time with the under-21 team, thus he is currently unavailable.

Before Everton’s match against Man City, manager Dyche was asked if Dele was close to making a comeback. He said, “No, not yet. He’s still not near.

There was a challenge when we reduced the team size in the summer and examined finances, money, and other related matters.

“It is impossible to have every player; you must complete the positions as best you can, make the most of the funding at your disposal, and assemble a roster that is evenly distributed. We’ll handle it later. The squad is frequently under strain during runs like these and these games.”

On whether Docuoure will be back, Dyche said: “No, I don’t think for City. I think that’s a bit close. He’s making good progress and we’re hoping he gets back on the grass in the next few days – not straight away with us, but just in his return to fitness.

“We have to be careful because we keep getting players back fit, but then we start running out again. Idrissa has got an injury which doesn’t look that promising on the first showing.

We’ll find out more in the coming days. We’re trying to balance the games programme against the squad, and against the injuries, and the risk and reward of players coming in.”

Get more related news on dailysportnews.co.uk