San Jose Earthquakes head coach Mark Watson admits it has been a frustrating loan spell for Yannick Djalo.
The 28-year old Portuguese forward, who joined the Quakes temporarily from Benfica in March, has managed just 13 MLS appearances this season.
Djalo last played in early August, when he scored for the second game in a row, and Watson suggests it has been a tough time for the former Sporting Lisbon man who has been sidelined by a quad strain.
"He obviously has issues," Watson said.
"His latest one is something we thought and hoped was going to be fairly short-term, but it's been dragging on far too long. He's had moments where he's come close and just can't get over the hump. I'd say it's a day-to-day thing.
"He's definitely closer than where he was a couple of weeks ago, but at this point, it comes down to how he responds to the stuff he's doing daily."
Watson, who sees his side sitting second bottom on the Western Conference table, added: "It's been frustrating because [Djalo] is a very influential player for us.
"Having him out of the team has been difficult for us. He just gives us that little bit of quality, that little bit of pace. And that's something this team needs."
