Tottenham’s Dele Alli reacts after the English Carabao Cup quarterfinal match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, London, Britain, 22 December 2021. EPA-EFE/FACUNDO ARRIZABAGALA EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, giorno, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Dele Alli seems to be nearing his Como debut, as he’ll be on the bench again when his side hosts Venezia on Saturday, although coach Cesc Fabregas admitted ‘he’s not yet ready to play’.

The Lariani’s match against Eusebio Di Francesco’s outfit at the Stadio Sinigaglia will mark the first time that the Englishman is called up for a home match since joining the Serie A side in January.

The midfielder was included in a matchday squad for a competitive match for the first time in 735 days during his side’s trip to Roma last week. While it seems Como tifosi will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action, his manager explained that his fitness is gradually improving.

Fabregas: Dele Alli is making ‘important progress’

“It’s a progression for him,” Fabregas told reporters during a pre-match press conference ahead of the match.

“He came with us to Rome. He’s not yet ready to play, he will be on the bench tomorrow as well, and then we’ll see… I need to feel the right moment to bring him in.

“He is growing and making important progress. We need to guide him, take care of him, and get him on the field in the best possible condition.”

Como have earned five of their seven Serie A wins at home this season and defeated Scudetto chasers Napoli 2-1 in their last match at the Stadio Sinigaglia.