Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided a positive update on the fitness of Jadon Sancho, offering hope that the Manchester United loanee's return from a shoulder injury is not far off.

The 25-year-old winger sustained the injury last month during a friendly match against Elche while on international duty with Villa. After an awkward landing just 40 minutes into the game, he was substituted with his arm in a sling.

While initial fears of a dislocation were ruled out by scans, the joint issue has kept him sidelined. Emery confirmed Sancho will miss Villa's upcoming Europa League clash with Bologna but struck an optimistic tone regarding his recovery timeline.

"Sancho is not going to be out for a long time, but he is still out," Emery stated. "In a few days or one or two weeks, he is coming back. He is progressing well."

This timeline suggests Sancho will likely also miss Villa's Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest this weekend and potentially the second leg of their European quarter-final. His absence has been felt, though Villa secured a crucial 3-1 first-leg victory over Bologna without him, thanks to goals from Ezri Konsa and an Ollie Watkins brace.

For Manchester United fans tracking their loaned talent, the news indicates a relatively short-term setback. The club will be eager to see Sancho return to full fitness and regain the form that once made him one of Europe's most exciting attacking prospects, hoping he can finish the season strong at Villa Park.