Everton manager Roberto Martinez says former Bafana Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar is a unique player and believes Everton must support him during his recovery.
Pienaar Makes Comeback For Everton U21
Pienaar missed the end of last season with knee problems and after working his way back to full fitness he suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season.
Martinez thinks there is still a long way for Pienaar to go before he is playing regular first team football, but is confident that he will overcome this tough period.
"Sometimes you get into a wrong momentum and wrong dynamic and the more you want to get back, you get a little bit of a set-back and you push your body even more," Martinez told the Liverpool Echo.
"And then that develops a chain of effects where everything goes against you.
"Unfortunately, Stevie has been away from feeling happy, feeling like a footballer and feeling as though he can enjoy his football and we need to help him.
"Now, we are being extra cautious with his recovery and giving him extra time to give him a good period of adaptation."
"But, as we know, Stevie is a unique footballer within our squad and we need to get him fit because the margin we can improve, with him in the squad, is huge."
Martinez Wants Pienaar To Feel Like A Footballer Again
Pienaar has played just one game of Premier League football this year after being hampered by injury.
