Could Jadon Sancho play against Arsenal? Medical expert puts timeframe on Man Utd star's return

A medical expert has given their assessment on whether Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho could make his return to action against Arsenal this weekend.

United take on the Gunners in a Premier League clash on Sunday looking to close the gap to the league leaders, with Arsenal currently eight points ahead of the third-placed Red Devils with a game in hand.

Should Erik ten Hag's outfit defeat the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, they would inflict only a second league defeat of the season on them, having beaten Mikel Arteta's side 3-1 earlier in the season.

They will have to do so, however, without the services of star midfielder Casemiro. The Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, meaning he is suspended for the Arsenal clash.

However, United did receive an availability boost of a different kind earlier this week, with Jadon Sancho back in full training for the first time since before the World Cup.

The 23-year-old spent part of the break training in the Netherlands with a coach recommended by Ten Hag, after the United boss claimed there were 'circumstances with fitness and mood' and that Sancho was not 'physically [or] mentally' ready to play for the side.

With Sancho now back in contention, when can fans expect to see the England international back in action?

Medical expert gives Sancho return timeframe

Ben Dinnery, who runs the online website Football Injuries, has claimed that, in his view, Sancho will not be ready to take on Arsenal on Sunday.

Furthermore, the Red Devils faithful should wait a further 'two to three weeks' before expecting the winger back, he says.

Dinnery told Football Insider: "A lot of what happens in the next few weeks comes down to Jadon himself.

"He needs to prove himself to Ten Hag and show that he's prepared to knuckle down and go about his business. And then he needs to get some minutes in behind-closed-doors games, just to build up that fitness. Ultimately, then Ten Hag has a decision to make.

"There is no doubt that Sancho has got the ability, but his application has been questioned at Manchester United. Overall, it will take two or three weeks before Sancho can get up to a good level of sharpness and fitness and push for a start."