Dele Alli nears Everton return after long-term injury as Sean Dyche confirms the midfielder is ‘back on the grass’ and targeting first Toffees appearance in over a year

Dele Alli is on course to be back playing in the next month, with the Everton midfielder now training on grass as he steps up his recovery from a long-standing groin injury that has seen him not play football since February.

Dele admirably opened up this summer about an addiction to sleeping tablets inflicted by childhood traumas that included being molested at the age of six and dealing drugs as an eight-year-old.

Everton boss Sean Dyche welcomed him into the fold at Everton this summer after his return from a loan spell at Besiktas, and there was a banner in support of the player in the Gwladys Street End earlier this season, but he has not yet featured for the former Burnley boss.

He is going well,’ said Dyche, ahead of the Toffees’ meeting with Newcastle.

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

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

Everton, who have won their last three away games but have just four points at Goodison Park this season, will be boosted by the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin after a minor injury but the visit of Newcastle is ‘touch and go’ for midfielder Amadou Onana.

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Khadija Shaw scored a hat-trick and missed a penalty as Manchester City maintained their Women’s Super League title push with a comfortable victory over Everton at Walton Hall Park.

Shaw, now the WSL’s top scorer with nine goals in as many appearances, had an eighth-minute spot-kick saved by Courtney Brosnan after Lauren Hemp was fouled by Sara Holmgaard.

But the 26-year-old Jamaica international made amends just 55 seconds later when she caught Brosnan out with a superbly executed lob from the edge of the box.

Shaw doubled City’s advantage when she drilled a low shot past Brosnan midway through the first half and Jill Roord slotted in a third from Chloe Kelly’s cut-back to put City in complete control after just 25 minutes.

Aurora Galli’s stunning first-time strike from distance reduced the deficit and rewarded a much-improved second-half display by Everton.

But Shaw ended any hopes of a fightback when she headed in Alex Greenwood’s free-kick to complete her treble after 65 minutes.

Victory moved City to second in the table, above Arsenal on goal difference and three points behind leaders Chelsea after the defending champions won 3-0 at Bristol City.

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City make title statement in impressive win
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to local rivals Tottenham on Saturday, City arrived on Merseyside aware that victory by a three-goal margin would – temporarily at least – take them top.

City did not take long to assert themselves and, following a frantic start, they set about their task with a relentless intensity and, when required, steely focus.

Beyond the scoreline, it is those characteristics which will have delighted manager Gareth Taylor, whose side extended their winning streak to four WSL matches.

City have hit that run of form after back-to-back defeats by Arsenal and Brighton in November saw them drop eight points in their first six games.

Shaw did not dwell on her penalty miss, producing a sumptuous finish to beat the stranded Brosnan and set the tone for the rest of a first half which City dominated.

Everton had their moments, though, but Italy forward Martina Piemonte was denied by Khiara Keating at close range with the game’s first real opportunity, while the City goalkeeper was grateful to see a dipping cross hit the bar.

The hosts, who remain seventh, were given a second-half lifeline when Galli guided an excellent right-footed strike into the top corner.

However, Shaw’s third goal deflated an Everton side who had appeared to be growing in belief and ensured Taylor’s side pause for the winter break full of confidence.

“They were just better than us and when we are not playing to our very best it is hard to compete,” Everton boss Brian Sorensen said.

“They were really good today and we were not at our peak.

“It has been challenging with so many players out so far. Against the teams around us we manage to find wins but against a top side we need everyone fully fresh.”

City are not back in WSL action until they host Liverpool on 21 January, while Everton face another title contender when they travel to Arsenal a day earlier.