The Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is still several weeks away from a return to football after his ankle injury turned out to be worse than thought.
The 22-year-old, whose energy and distribution skills allowed him to break into the first team this season, picked up the injury during last month's 1-0 Premier League win at Everton.
There was better news for winger Ashley Young, who has recovered from a toe injury and will be fit for Sunday's trip to Swansea City.
Defender Chris Smalling will miss the game in Wales but may return for Wednesday's Champions League match at home to Benfica, while striker Danny Welbeck is still recovering from a muscle strain sustained on international duty with England.
Champions United are second in the table with 26 points from 11 games, trailing neighbours Manchester City by five points.
