Steve Bruce reveals what he has told Florian Lejeune

Lejeune returned to training in October after recovering from knee surgery late last season.

However, the 28-year-old is yet to make a first-team comeback, despite having featured for the club’s Under-23 side.

Bruce has, up to now, erred on the side of caution given that Lejeune also suffered a serious knee injury last year.

“I had a conversation with him a week ago,” said United’s head coach. “I said you’ve had two big injuries, so the longer he trains, the better physically and mentally he becomes. Yes, he’s ready, but the longer we can get him playing on the grass, the better. He had a tough time. When the time is right, let’s hope we can introduce him – and he stays fit.”