Dele Alli may not debut for Como this season despite completing his transfer to the Italian side during the January transfer window.
The former Tottenham star joined the Serie A club on an 18-month contract facing a challenging period since his departure from Spurs.
However, Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has delivered a worrying injury update, suggesting that he may not play until the next campaign.
The 28-year-old midfielder made his last appearance in February 2023 while on loan at the Turkish club Besiktas. Since then, he has been sidelined with multiple groin, hip and muscle injuries.
Although the Englishman was anticipated to return to action during Como’s upcoming games, Fabregas 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 (Monday) he will be at full capacity with the group, after the personalised work of the last few weeks.
Former Tottenham star Dele Alli may not debut for Como this season due to his chronic fitness problems
The Italian side’s head coach Cesc Fabregas has called for ‘patience’ as he does not want to rush the player onto the pitch
Alli completed his transfer to Como during the January transfer window and signed an 18-month contract
‘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.’
Alli had already been training with the Italian side since his departure from Everton last summer.
He signed a new 18-month contract that includes an option to extend for an additional year.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal star Fabregas has previously praised the star for his training capabilities, describing him as a ‘wonderful player’.
The Englishman joined Como as another player who was once prominent in European football, following in the footsteps of Pepe Reina, Alberto Moreno, Sergi Roberto, and Patrick Cutrone.
However, despite their aspirations for success, they are currently only 13th in the Serie A table, just five points above the relegation zone.