Ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Jadon Sancho resumed training with Manchester United’s first team.
The 22-year-old hasn’t played for United since being substituted in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on October 22 and was last seen in training on October 31.
Sancho traveled to the Netherlands for a carefully designed program after it became known that he had taken a break from social media in November.
When Sancho originally visited United’s training facility two weeks ago, he worked out alone and in small groups with other players who weren’t working out with the squad.
However, it is now believed that he has been reintegrated back into full first-team training.
Ten Hag confirmed to journalists last month that Sancho was absent from the training squad in Spain as he was not fit enough to participate, and there was also a mental aspect to consider.
Jadon Sancho has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, per @AndyMitten pic.twitter.com/EzyaUNkl2X
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 17, 2023
Will Sancho Return To The Starting XI Immediately?
Speaking two weeks ago, the United manager provided an update on the English forward and insisted he had seen progress in the player since he returned.
“I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible,” Ten Hag said.
“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, players who are available and capable to contribute in the Premier League. Not only the Premier League but the highest standard of top football.
“And 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.
“In this moment he is not fit enough, no. I said, 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 return quickly but I can’t say a duration of how long it will be.
“He was in the Netherlands but also the process could have been in England as well.
“But the good thing is he is back in Carrington and that shows he is making progress and he is ready for the next step.
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