Tyrell Malacia is not expected to play for Manchester United until next season as the Dutch left-back struggles with a knee meniscus injury.
Erik ten Hag has been left short-staffed in that position with both Malacia and first-choice Luke Shaw on the sidelines for large chunks of the campaign.
Malacia, 24, hasn't played a single minute this season with the £13million defender's last action coming for the Netherlands against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League semi-final last June.
The Athletic report that Malacia went again the advice of United when it was decided last summer to undergo surgery on his knee after discomfort in pre-season training.