Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish insists Michel is still in his plans.
He could start Tuesday's fourth-round tie against Brentford and McLeish acknowledged the consistency of Barry Ferguson has limited Michel's opportunities.
"It is a bit of a thankless task for Michel because he was the captain of Sporting Gijon and we saw him play really well against the Real Madrids and Barcelonas of this world," said McLeish.
"But Ferguson's form has been exceptional and I've not devised a system where I can get the two of them into the same team.
"I know there are ways of doing that, but I don't think it suited the rest of our players.
"Michel has been extremely unlucky. He wouldn't have envisaged being understudy to Barry. He may have thought he could have played in the team with Barry.
"It has been tough for him, but at the end of the day we need a squad and I need cover for Ferguson and other players."