Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is set to miss the derby with City and has been sent to America for rehabilitation and conditioning work.
The Red Devils had hoped that Rooney would recover from an ankle problem in time to face arch-rivals Manchester City at Eastlands on Wednesday.
However, the 25-year-old, who recently ended speculation regarding his future by penning a new five-year contract, is set to miss the midweek encounter.
Rooney has not figured for United since their 2-2 draw with West Brom on 16th October, with matters off the field having dominated the headlines since then.
Shortly after that fixture it emerged that the England international was keen to leave Old Trafford, causing mass hysteria in football circles.
That issue was soon laid to rest as he opted to pen fresh terms, but he is yet to make an appearance since news of his desire to leave the club broke.
It remains unclear how long it will be before United supporters get to see Rooney in action again, but for now he has been sent to the USA for a week to work on his fitness.
Rooney is due back in England on 13th November, when it is hoped he will be close to a first-team return.
"What we are intending to do with Wayne is send him to Nike Town in the USA for a week's conditioning training," confirmed United assistant manager Mike Phelan.
"We have decided, with Wayne, the medical team and the coaching staff that it would be the best thing for him.
"He is going on Saturday and will return the following Saturday.
"It is a week's intensive conditioning, under the supervision of our medical team and our sports' science department."
Phelan believes Rooney will benefit from a spell out of the limelight, given all that has happened of late, and has hinted that he could be welcomed back for the home date with Wigan on 20th November.
"We have the facilities," he conceded.
"We just thought it might be in the interests of him and the club to have a change of scenery for a little while.
"He has had a lot of attention lately and we want to give him the best opportunity that he possibly can to be in good shape when he returns.
"He needs the conditioning. We all agree with that. He can go there without the attention he would get around here.
"If that goes according to plan, he will be available when he returns."
Despite missing his weekly press conference due to a virus that should not prevent him being at Old Trafford for Saturday afternoon's clash with Wolves, manager Sir Alex Ferguson also added his weight to the Rooney situation this evening in a short statement to the club's official website.
"The simple reason Wayne is going to the US is to continue his rehabilitation programme and undergo a week of concentrated training and conditioning under the supervision of our medical and sports science staff," he said.
"We've experienced the fantastic facilities at Nike in the past and are happy for him to be there."
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