Jadon Sancho is not ready to return to action for Manchester United yet.
The former Borussia Dortmund star moved to Old Trafford 18 months ago and has yet to set the Premier League alight.
Erik ten Hag says the England winger is not fit enough to make himself available for selection, but he also stressed that the problem is more than just a physical one.
The manager feels patience is key when considering Sancho as the Dutchman admitted there is no timescale on when the forward will return.
“In this moment he is not fit enough,” Ten Hag said at his press conference on Thursday, as per ESPN.
“It’s physical, but physical is also the connection with mental. But I think he is now making good progress on the physical part and that will help him. I hope he can returns quickly but I can’t say a duration of how long it will be.”
Ten Hag is hoping to sign a centre-forward on loan in January, but it depends on who is available and whether they will improve the team or not.
Sancho’s absence has further reduced his options but the manager won’t be rushing him back.
“I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible,” Ten Hag added.
“But also in this, I can’t force this process and so I will do everything that’s in my power but some processes you can’t force and this is one of them.
“So I have also to show patience, although I don’t have the patience because yeah, you are right, we have a lack of opportunities in the frontline, player who are available and capable to contribute in the Premier League.
“Jadon is one, when he is fit, he will contribute and then we have an extra option and so we will have more chance of winning a lot of games.
“We have some hurdles to take but I think he’s in a good direction. And what I say I can’t force this process and so I don’t do [it]. But I would be really happy when he returns to the squad for team training, so that will be the next step.”
Ten Hag needs to take caution with Sancho is the problem is both physical and mental. We can only wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he can hit top form when he returns.
Sancho can be a big player for us still.
