Tuesday 30 January 2018 17:32, UK
Stoke manager Paul Lambert says on-loan forward Jese can still play an important role for them as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker was signed by previous Potters boss Mark Hughes and his career at the Bet365 Stadium got off to the perfect start when he scored the winning goal against Arsenal on his debut in August.
He has made just eight appearances since, however, and has not played since November after being allowed to return to his native Spain for personal reasons.
But Jese is now back in training with Stoke and Lambert reacted positively when asked about the 24-year-old ahead of Wednesday night's home game against Watford.
"It's good to have him in and around the training ground once again and I've seen little glimpses from him since he's come back," said Lambert.
"Going forward, he looks impressive but that has never been in question because we know the type of player he is.
"He still needs to get up to speed with his fitness but in the short time that I've been here, he's been very good offensively.
"He obviously started the season very brightly and if he continues to work hard in training then there is no reason why he can't return and get back to the levels we know he's capable of.
"It's been a difficult period for him personally, as a club we will continue to support him with that, but hopefully now he can also go on to play a big part for us until the end of the season."
