Mason Mount’s undisclosed injury could see Kobbie Mainoo get his first league start of the season when Manchester United take on Manchester City, according to the Sun.
The Red Devils take on their city rivals away from home on September 14, and the out-of-favour academy graduate could be named in the starting XI.
Mount played for 30 minutes with an injury against Burnley before he was substituted for Mainoo at half-time, and the 26-year-old may not return in time for the Premier League trip to Etihad Stadium after the international break.
Mount started in a two-man attacking midfield alongside Bryan Mbeumo against Burnley, with Matheus Cunha chosen to lead the line.
The Brazilian also did not finish the game due to a knock but is expected to be available for selection against Man City.
Man United head coach Ruben Amorim is likely to deploy the Brazilian as a number 9 in the Manchester derby if he is fit with Benjamin Sesko yet to hit the ground running.
Going with that option will give Mainoo a chance to start alongside Mbeumo, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes retaining their positions in the base of midfield.
Mainoo has been working hard during the international break having been omitted from the latest England squad.
He will be ready to feature against Man City but there are no guarantees he will be starting as Amorim could have other ideas.
The Portuguese will be desperate to leave Etihad with all three points and will only be fielding those he is sure can get the job done.
Mainoo has lost his place in the Man United starting XI as a result of Fernandes having to drop deep following the arrivals of Cunha and Mbeumo.
The 20-year-old is in battle with his captain for a spot in the line-up, but a top performance against Man City could force Amorim to tweak things.
The youngster wanted to leave the Theatre of Dreams on loan in the summer for regular playing opportunities elsewhere, but the club told him to remain with the squad and prove himself.