Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal has predicted that forgotten man Renato Sanches is closing in on a return to action.

The 20-year-old, on loan from Bayern Munich, has not played since he suffered a knock while featuring against Notts County during an FA Cup fourth round encounter.

"All the players who are not playing are not happy, they are sad because they like to play," said Carvalhal.

"The best thing that can happen to a player is to start training, once they do that and they are involved again with their colleagues it takes the weight off the shoulders.

"He is no different to any other player, he is he will be fine once he is back with his team-mates.

"We expect he will come back to training this month but, as you understand, the physical condition will take some time.

"So let's see when he comes back to training, he is not back yet but when he is I will be happy.

"After that, it will be a question of time. Some players need just a week, others need two or three.

"I don't know if Manchester United will be a bit soon, it depends when he starts. Once he does I will tell you."