Tottenham fans are so happy as they loved what Dele Alli just did for the first time in 735 days
Tottenham Hotspur fan favorite Dele Alli is on the cusp of making a much-anticipated return to competitive football after a long two-year absence. The attacking midfielder was named in the matchday squad for Como’s away fixture against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, signaling that his return to the pitch is closer than ever before. This inclusion in the squad marks a critical milestone in Dele’s journey back to fitness after a long and difficult period away from football.
Dele’s last competitive appearance came in February 2023 during his loan spell at Turkish club Besiktas. However, that return to action was short-lived, as he faced numerous injury setbacks that significantly hindered his progress and hope of a full comeback. His injury woes had plagued him for months, and as a result, Dele was unable to regain the form that had once made him one of the most exciting and dynamic midfielders in the Premier League. For an agonizing 735 days, Dele had not been named in a matchday squad, making his inclusion in Como’s lineup against Roma all the more significant.
Dele’s time at Tottenham, which spanned seven years, was filled with memorable moments, both on and off the field. From his stunning goals to his creative assists, Dele was an integral part of Spurs’ attack, playing a key role in their rise to prominence under manager Mauricio Pochettino. His performances on the global stage with the England national team further cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the game. His sudden dip in form, however, and subsequent struggles with injuries, left many Tottenham fans feeling saddened and frustrated, especially given the promising future he once had.
Despite his departure from Spurs and his subsequent battles to regain full fitness, Dele continues to be deeply admired by Tottenham supporters. These fans hold on to the incredible memories Dele gave them during his time in North London, and they have been rooting for him to overcome his difficulties and return to the pitch. Dele’s story has become one of both hope and heartbreak, as fans around the world have watched him navigate a challenging journey filled with setbacks and doubts. Now, his inclusion in Como’s matchday squad is a beacon of optimism that he may soon rediscover the form that made him a fan favorite at Spurs.
Since joining Serie A club Como in January, Dele has yet to feature for the team in any competitive fixture. His move to Italy was seen as an opportunity for him to rebuild his career away from the spotlight, but for several months, it seemed as though he would not be able to make an immediate impact. The club’s manager, the legendary Cesc Fabregas, expressed doubts about Dele’s readiness last month, even hinting that the 28-year-old might not make his debut for Como until the start of the next season. This added another layer of uncertainty to Dele’s already rocky road to recovery.
However, recent developments suggest that Dele has made significant strides in overcoming his injury troubles. His inclusion in Como’s matchday squad for their trip to Roma represents a major step forward. Although Dele remained an unused substitute in the match, as Como triumphed 2-1 after coming from a goal down, the fact that he was deemed fit enough to be included in the squad shows that he is nearing a return to competitive action. It is clear that Dele is no longer far from returning to the field, and his recovery is well underway.
Given that Dele has been absent from football for such a long period, Como’s approach to his rehabilitation will be measured and cautious. Fabregas is likely to ease Dele back into the fold, and it’s expected that the midfielder will first be used as a substitute in a few matches before being considered for a starting role. The priority for Como will be to ensure that Dele’s body can handle the physical demands of Serie A football without suffering any setbacks. Just as Tottenham carefully managed the fitness of players like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero over the course of their own recoveries, Como will adopt a similar approach with Dele to ensure that he does not push himself too hard too soon.
Despite not playing in the match against Roma, Dele’s presence on the squad list is a positive sign for the future. His name on the teamsheet is an indication that he has finally shaken off the injury issues that had plagued him for so long. As he continues to regain match fitness, it’s only a matter of time before he steps onto the pitch again. His fans—particularly those at Tottenham—are hopeful that, once fully fit, Dele will be able to play with the same creative flair and technical brilliance that made him one of the most exciting players in English football just a few years ago.
For Spurs supporters, seeing Dele in a matchday squad once more is a heartening development, and they will be hoping that his recovery continues smoothly. Many fans are holding out for the day when Dele returns to playing at his best, showcasing the cheeky, dynamic style that defined his early years at Tottenham. As Dele works his way back to peak fitness, the belief remains that he has the potential to once again captivate fans with his vision, creativity, and sharp instincts. His journey, filled with highs and lows, is far from over, and as he continues to recover, the hope is that he will soon be back on the pitch, doing what he does best—delighting fans and proving that the best of Dele Alli is still to come.