Como

Last month, the Serie A outfit announced that they had signed the England international on a free transfer following his release from Everton.

Having handed the playmaker an 18-month contract, it was a show of faith in a player that has not made a competitive appearance since representing Besiktas in February 2023.

A month has now passed without the 28-year-old being considered for a debut by Fabregas, who is attempting to keep Como in Italy's top flight.

What is the latest with Dele Alli?

On the back of a break from action due to injury and personal reasons, Alli is now bidding to relaunch his career away from the spotlight of English football.

However, after Como's eye-catching victory at Fiorentina on Sunday, Fabregas revealed that Alli is only just preparing to train at "full capacity" with the rest of the squad for the first time.

The Spaniard said: "He's working off the pitch at the moment. I don't want to put extra pressure on him, he hasn't played for months.

"From tomorrow [Monday] he will be at full capacity with the group, after the personalised work of the last few weeks.

"He needs time, I spoke to him and I was clear with him: we are here to help him. We believe we can do it. We need patience to see him back on the pitch: please, let's stay calm. The last few months will be used to get back in shape for next season."

Is a 2024-25 debut realistic?

Como currently have just 13 matches of their season remaining as they bid to establish clear daylight between themselves and the Serie A relegation zone.

The shock win at Fiorentina has moved Como into 13th place in the top-flight standings, five points clear of 18th position.

On the assumption that they stay in a battle for survival, it appears highly unlikely that Alli will be thrust into such an environment after more than two years on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, if there is nothing riding on Como's final fixtures of the season, it is plausible that Fabregas may be prepared to hand Alli minutes off the substitutes' bench.

Written by

Darren Plant