ERIK TEN HAG admits Jadon Sancho still faces “hurdles” before he is mentally and physically ready to return to action.
But the Manchester United boss is desperate to get his winger back.
Sancho is not injured, yet the £73million star has not featured in the squad since the home game against West Ham on October 30, when he remained on the bench.
Ten Hag said: “We have some hurdles to take — but I think he’s in a good direction. The physical is also a connection with the mental.
“He is now making good progress on the physical part and it will help him.
“I think, let’s say I hope, he can return quickly — but I also can’t say a duration of how long that will be.”
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Having missed out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Qatar, Sancho, 22, was also left out of United’s group which went on a training camp to Spain during the World Cup.
Instead, Ten Hag sent the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace to Holland for some individual fitness sessions.
And, while Sancho is now back at Carrington, he is still training away from the first-team squad.
Dutchman Ten Hag added: “Sometimes it’s good to go away from the place where you are every day to get a new vibe and experience.
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“People have a different approach and this can give you the right push to get back on track. Football players are not robots.
“I would like him back as soon as possible.
“I will do everything in my power — but there are some processes that you cannot force.
“I will be really happy the moment he returns to the squad for team training, that’s the next thing.
“The good thing is that he is back at Carrington — it shows he is making progress and he is ready for the next step.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
