Erik ten Hag admits it will 'take weeks' before Axel Tuanzebe is back in contention to play for Manchester United.
The 25-year-old made his long-awaited return to United training earlier this week, but still has a lot of work to do before he returns to competitive action.
Tuanzebe hasn't played over a year, with his last appearance coming for Napoli in a Coppa Italia defeat by Fiorentina on January 13 2022. He last played for United in the Europa League final loss to Villarreal in May 2021.
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The United academy graduate returned to individual training last month and was placed on a personal training plan at Carrington while Ten Hag took his available squad to a training camp in Spain.
It was a welcome sight to see Tuanzebe back on the grass with his teammates earlier this week, but Ten Hag has warned that there is still a long way to go yet.
"It's the same, they are back, on track, and they are progressing," he told club media when asked about Dalot and Martial. "But, for tomorrow, not available."
When asked about Jadon Sancho and Tuanzebe, Ten Hag warned that a return to training does not mean they are necessarily fit to play. "Yes but, for them, comes the same [message]. They are not available yet for games but they are progressing.
"Definitely, Axel, it was a long time that he was not available for matches or for training. Individual rehab was really hard for him. Then, you can understand, it takes time; back in training as well, and in team training, then you have to build up. So that will take weeks."
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