JADON SANCHO remains absent from Manchester United training ahead of their return to action tomorrow night.
The Red Devils get their campaign back underway with a Carabao Cup clash with Burnley at Old Trafford.
Sancho, 22, did not go to the World Cup in Qatar, but will not be in contention to play.
Boss Erik ten Hag revealed that the winger is “not mentally ready” to play yet – with his well-being coming first.
The former Borussia Dortmund star has not played for United since the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22.
He subsequently suffered with an illness, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all excelling on the flanks in his absence.
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After missing out on England’s World Cup squad, Sancho was sent to the Netherlands on an individual training programme.
Ten Hag, 52, had him train alone with a trusted ally at amateur club OJC Rosmalen.
A short video subsequently emerged, in which Sancho could be seen dribbling around cones.
Sancho then deactivated his social media accounts, prompting more concern.
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He did not return to United for the mid-season trip to Spain, during which they played friendlies against Real Betis and Cadiz.
On the situation, Ten Hag said: “We want to bring him back as quickly as possible, but I can’t give a prognosis of when that will be.
“Sometimes there are circumstances with fitness and mood. We got a drop of quality level and sometimes you don’t know why or what is causing it.
“That is what we are doing now to try to get him back there. It is a combination of physically and mentally.”
United hoped that the individual training in the Netherlands would help Sancho restore some physical and mental fitness.
With the wide man not having been spotted in training since October 31, it is not yet known when he will next play for Man United.
After tomorrow night’s cup clash, the Red Devils return to Premier League action on December 27, when they host Nottingham Forest.
A New Year’s Eve trip to Wolves will follow, before home matches against Bournemouth and Everton on January 3 and January 6.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
