Borussia Dortmund coach Lucien Favre has defended his management of Jadon Sancho.

Former Manchester City whiz Sancho was benched for Borussia Dortmund's last league outing and Favre plans to continue protecting the youngster.

The 19-year-old has contributed to three goals and five assists in seven Bundesliga games this season, but Favre started him on the bench for the 2-2 draw at Freiburg two weeks ago due to tiredness.

"The expectations on him from everyone are enormous," Favre said at Thursday's news conference ahead of his side's home match with Borussia Monchengladbach. "We forget that he is only 19 years old. That's dangerous.

"He still has a lot to learn. He's a great player, no discussion about that. But he still has to learn, he needs to continue having fun and making progress.

"His potential is enormous. It's normal for every player. You can't be on a high level for a whole year. It's impossible. One or two months a year you are not at 100 per cent. That is normal.

"One year ago he basically was never on the pitch and started to play only from October. Before that he was always on the bench and slowly but steadily he showed that he needed to play."

Favre is concerned by Sancho's workload at such a young age and is keen to protect the former City youngster.

"He played 73 minutes against the Czech Republic and was brought on against Bulgaria. This is not a break," he said.

"Obviously it's fantastic that he plays for England already. But to me it's completely normal that he needs to hit the brakes a little."