Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits youngster Chris Smalling will start the derby against Manchester City.
Rio Ferdinand is out and Jonny Evans missed Northern Ireland's hammering by Scotland on Wednesday with an ankle injury and is still sidelined.
"Rio Ferdinand got a calf injury last week. He will be out for a couple of weeks," confirmed Ferguson.
"Jonny Evans was injured in training with Northern Ireland. He is out so Chris Smalling will play. I am sure he will do well."
He added: "Chris has made excellent progress this season.
"He got a bit of tightness in his back last Friday, which is why I used Jonny Evans as a substitute last week.
"We are very pleased with him. He has been outstanding since he came to the club.
"He has played a few games now. Of course, he lacks that big-game experience but in terms of the experience he has had, he has used it well and he has done well."
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