Dele Alli said: “I can see light at the end of the tunnel'' and has set his sights on representing England at the 2026 World Cup.
The 28-year-old Everton midfielder last played in February 2023 and has been sidelined since then with hip and groin injuries.
“Every day at 11 o'clock I have a reminder on my phone for the 2026 World Cup,” Dele told Sky Sports.
“People think, 'He hasn't played a year,' but that's my goal. I know where my level is.”
Dele has been contacted by Everton, who joined him in February 2022, until the end of the season. He said he hopes to return to full training by the end of this season.
His last appearance was on loan at Besiktas last year, but the move was interrupted by a hip injury.
In an interview with Gary Neville, he talked about spending six weeks in a rehab facility due to his addiction to sleeping pills and mental health issues.
She also said she was sexually abused when she was 6 years old.
“When I did the interview, I said it was the best feeling when I got out of rehab,” Dele said.
“It’s been tough, but this is the journey I’m on and I’m enjoying it.
“When I did it, I said I'd be happy if it could help one person, and that's all I wanted from it. The support and response I got was overwhelming. I’m definitely proud of that.”
Dele was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, but the last of his 37 caps came in 2019.
He was expected to return at the end of 2023, but he has been sidelined due to a groin injury.
“It was just an injury issue. Hopefully this is coming to an end. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
“I've had to be patient, I've come a long way with injuries and there's been a lot of ups and downs.
“It helped me grow even more as a person. To have the opportunity to develop myself, the pain of the injury is something I can deal with when I get back.”