Manchester United are reportedly unable to recall Alvaro Fernandez from his loan spell at Granada until the January transfer window at the earliest.
The 20-year-old was allowed to move to Granada on loan at the start of September, and he has made three La Liga appearances for the Spanish outfit during the 2023-24 campaign.
There have recently been suggestions that Man United could recall Fernandez due to their severe full-back issues, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon all currently injured.
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, the 20-time English champions will not be able to recall the Spanish defender until the opening of the winter window.
The report claims that there is a mid-season break clause, but Man United will hope to have all four of their injured full-backs available by the start of 2024.
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Shaw has only played twice for Man United this season due to a muscular problem, and he is unlikely to be available for selection again until November.
Malacia, who is the back-up left-back, has not played a single minute this term, meanwhile, with the Netherlands international picking up a muscular problem over the summer.
The injuries to Malacia and Shaw led to Reguilon arriving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
Reguilon has made a positive impression at Old Trafford, making three appearances, but he has missed the team's last three games due to a hamstring problem.
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The Spaniard is believed to have a chance of returning to action in Saturday's Premier League clash with Brentford at Old Trafford.
However, if Reguilon is unable to prove his fitness, Sofyan Amrabat could again start at left-back, with the Moroccan operating in that position since making his debut.
Diogo Dalot played as a left-back after Shaw's injury was confirmed, but the Portugal international is currently needed at right-back due to Wan-Bissaka's own muscular issue.
Despite being highly-rated at Old Trafford, Fernandez is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Red Devils, spending last season on loan at Preston North End.
The Spaniard, who has played 69 minutes of La Liga football this season, only has a contract with the 20-time English champions until next summer.
Matt Law
