Sheffield Wednesday striker Lucas Joao has scored one goal in 13 appearances so far this season.
Carlos Carvalhal has told the Sheffield Telegraph that Lucas Joao still has a future at Sheffield Wednesday.
Joao was loaned out by Wednesday to Blackburn Rovers during the January transfer window.
The Owls deemed the Portuguese international striker to need more game time, before getting regular football at Hillsborough.
And the addition of Jordan Rhodes from Middlesbrough, left questions being asked over whether Carvalhal had lost faith in Joao.
However, the Wednesday boss insists that Joao has a future at his side – but he still has a lot to learn.
“Lucas is a player who we have a lot of confidence in,” Carvalhal said.
“It is not easy to play at our club with the attackers that we have.
“I consider it better for Lucas to play regularly. He has quality but he needs to play.
“He has more chance to play at Blackburn. He’s a player that I’m sure will do well and score goals. Lucas will probably come back to Sheffield Wednesday in four or five months more ready to play at our club.”
Joao made 12 appearances for Wednesday over the early part of the campaign, but he only scored on one occasion.
The 23-year-old has already made his debut for Blackburn, after coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Ewood Park.
Joao could feature again this weekend, when Blackburn take on Rotherham United at the New York Stadium.
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