Manchester United are reportedly not expecting Paul Pogba to be in contention for a return for at least another month.
As a result of a persistent foot problem, Pogba has featured just twice since the start of September, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently ruling the France international out until December.
Pogba responded by saying that he is targeting the Manchester derby on December 7 for his return - a fixture which takes place in just under five weeks' time.
However, according to ESPN, United intend to take no risks with the World Cup winner, with the club's medical staff not expecting the 26-year-old to be involved until just before the Christmas period.
The report claims that Pogba faces at least another three weeks of rehabilitation before taking part in training with the rest of the squad.