Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has explained the process behind integrating Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes back into his first team plans.
The 24-year-old failed to return for pre-season in late June which caused a lengthy legal battle between the north-east club and the players representatives.
Duk finally agreed to return and fight for his future at Aberdeen shortly after the transfer window closed, having missed nine domestic matches and an entire pre-season schedule.
But it’s certainly not set in stone that the attacker, who was signed from Benfica by Jim Goodwin in 2021, will automatically be considered an option for Thelin.
Speaking after being named Glen's Vodka SPFL Premiership Manager of the Month for August, Thelin addressed the situation and said: "We have a really good team spirit and I think you can't travel through time or you can't change the past.
"I think the most important thing is to look forward, and for me it's the starting point for him right now and the squad have accepted it, he's integrated really well and he's giving 100 per cent in every training session since he arrived.
"From there, he's got to grow, adapt into the team and get the connection with his teammates. Then we know his qualities, so from not playing football for a while now, you need to train well and stay sharp, and then be ready for a game."
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Duk was sensational during his debut campaign at Pittodrie two years ago, but struggled to maintain that form last season, with Bojan Miovski taking on the mantle of Aberdeen's star man.
If he is to force himself into Thelin's plan, he would be competing with Kevin Nisbet, Peter Ambrose, Ester Sokler and Pape Gueye for a position in attack.
While Shayden Morris and Vicente Besuijen, who have both already made positive impacts this season, could also stand in the way if the Dons boss deems Duk as a wide man.
"When he come back, of course he apologised to the players, the staff and everybody around here," Thelin revealed.
"It feels genuine, and the players take care of him in a good way. You can see that already in the training sessions now.
"The most important thing, not just for him but for everyone is that everyone knows what we want, and we want everyone to give 100 per cent for Aberdeen Football Club in training sessions and in games.
"It doesn't matter who you are, it's for everyone. So, just be clear with that and we will be fine."
Thelin has built a strong squad since arriving over the summer. Midfielder Leighton Clarkson is back in training following an injury lay-off and could be included among the Aberdeen squad to face Motherwell on Saturday.
The Red Army have been debating whether Duk could be involved so soon, however Thelin's comments appear to suggest the Cape Verde international will have to work hard and bide his time before he merits competing in a Scottish Premiership match.
He continued: "He's training well and his individual fitness is good but then he's got to adapt to the game's and the game tempo, the intensity, and his teammates to understand how we want to play.
"Of course, that will take some time, but let's see!"
