Brighton, so far, seem to be coping quite well without Carlos Baleba.
The Seagulls sold the Cameroon international to Manchester United last month for around £70m.
Baleba is yet to feature for the Red Devils as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season, while still at Brighton.
Albion have adapted quite well to life after Baleba as Saturday's 5-0 win at Coventry took them fourth in the Premier League after the opening for four fixtures. Fabian Hurzeler's men are also the highest scorers in the top flight with 13 goals.
Yasin Ayari and Pascal Gross have formed the hub of the midfield so far this term, while emerging talent Malick Yalcouye has also caught the eye.
United, in contrast, have had a patchy start to the season and last Sunday's derby defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford leaves them 13th in the table on four points.
Carlos Baleba return date
Attention turns to the Carabao Cup this Wednesday as Brighton make the trip north to face Michael Carrick's United at Old Trafford for a third round tie.
Both teams are expected to make a number of changes for the cup competition but Baleba is unlikely to among them.
The midfielder is still struggling with his ankle ligament issue and the match against his former club will arrive too soon.
Mid October is currently the best guess for his return and at this stage it appears highly unlikely that he will feature for United before the international break.
After the Brighton cup clash, United travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, September 20.
Carrick's men then pause for the international break and return action on October 10 against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Baleba could be targeting the Spurs match - against his former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi - as a potential return.
Brighton are expected to make significant chances for the clash at Old Trafford with summer arrivals Jaouen Hadjam, Chema Andrés, Pascal Struijk and Promise David all potential starters.
Jason Steele will likely start in goal ahead of Premier League No 1 Bart Verbruggen.