Stoke City forward Bojan Krkic must bide his time in trying to win back his place in the side, says assistant boss Mark Bowen.
The 26-year-old Spaniard has not played since the Potters' 4-1 defeat by Crystal Palace on 18 September and has been an unused substitute for the club's four-game unbeaten run.
"He's naturally disappointed," Bowen, 52, told BBC Radio Stoke.
"When the team's winning and playing well, you've got to be patient."
Bowen also believes Bojan's chances have been affected by the team's desire to protect their points during their good run of form, which has seen them draw with West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United and beat both Sunderland and Hull.