Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could be fit in time for the derby against Manchester City next month.

Pogba has missed the last nine matches for United but stepped up his return to fitness on Monday when the cast on his injured right ankle was removed.

ESPN are reporting that the December 7 derby against City has been earmarked as a return date for the French midfielder with United in need of trimming their growing injury list.

United are facing one of their busiest periods of the season and so the return of Pogba would be a major boost to Solskjaer and the rest of the squad.

The club are facing 12 games in just 39 days and the Norwegian boss is well aware of how fatigue and niggling injuries will see his selection options depleted.

Pogba has not turned out for United since picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Arsenal on September 30.