Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has refused to rule Jadon Sancho out of Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal in North London.
The 22-year-old has been back training with the Red Devils this week, having finally completed the individual training programme that he was placed on towards the end of last year.
Sancho's last Premier League appearance was the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22, but he has a chance of returning to the squad for the game with the Gunners this weekend.
"I can't answer that question. He's making the next step, yesterday [Tuesday] was the first time he was in team training," Ten Hag told reporters during his pre-match press conference when asked whether the England international would be available against Mikel Arteta's side.
"Team training is the final [level of] training before a game, so we will extend that in the coming days, the coming week, and then go step by step."
© Reuters
Sancho has made 14 appearances for Man United during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on three occasions, in addition to contributing one assist.
"He [Sancho] has had some really good performances [earlier in the season] and was going in a good direction," Ten Hag told reporters towards the end of last year.
"But the last weeks he struggled with illness. Then it's normal that you don't get the nomination for [the World Cup]. Every manager will take only fit players to the World Cup."
The forward has largely found it difficult to settle at the club since his high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, only managing eight goals and four assists in 52 matches for the club.
Sancho was a regular contributor of goals during his time at Dortmund, though, scoring 50 and setting up a further 64 in 137 appearances for the German giants.
© Reuters
Ten Hag was also asked about Diogo Dalot and Anthony Martial, with the duo missing against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening due to injuries.
The Dutchman gave his press conference in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw with the Eagles, and he admitted that it was too soon to determine whether either player would be available.
"No, sorry. It's Wednesday. We'll have to see how far they are, if they are fit for the game on Sunday," he added.
Martial's absence opened the door for Wout Weghorst to make his debut for the Red Devils on Wednesday evening, with the forward recently arriving on loan from Burnley.
Meanwhile, Dalot's injury problems since the 2022 World Cup have allowed Aaron Wan-Bissaka to enjoy a run in the side, and the defender put in another strong performance against Palace.
Matt Law
