Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says Henrikh Mkhitaryan will see action against Europa League opponents Feyenoord.
The £30million buy has started only one match since his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund.
Asked why Mkhitaryan is still absent from the squad, Mourinho said: “He needs less pressure and better conditions for him to express his qualities."
The manager insists Mkhitaryan, 27, will get some action on Thursday at home to Feyenoord. But he believes the more high-profile clashes — like that against Arsenal last Saturday — are not for him right now.
Mourinho added: “I told him, 'This was not the game for you'.
“I don't think he needs ten or 20 minutes from the bench. I think you need a good game and you need to either start or, if not, to come on for the second half.
“I told him that he is going to be involved in the game against Feyenoord.
“He is trying. Obviously he is not happy but he is transforming his frustration in a good way, which is close the mouth, work hard and try to adapt."