Manchester United manager David Moyes has ruled Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie out of Sunday's Premier League trip to Chelsea.
Rooney has still not recovered from a groin injury, while Van Persie has been sidelined since the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk in December after he suffered a thigh problem.
Both Van Persie and Rooney must wait a while longer before returning to action
"Wayne is not ready for Chelsea," said Moyes
"He has been doing some running and has done some strengthening work around his groin. I have watched him running today. He looks well.
"Overall we are pleased. We hope we can get him back as soon as we can but we don't want to put a date on it."
Van Persie is slightly further behind in his recovery but with a blank weekend to follow Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final with Sunderland, there is a chance of both returning before very long.
"I am hoping Robin might be able to start training next week," said Moyes.
"We want to get him back on the grass. That would be a great boost for us. He is a really important player.
"We have missed both of them but they are getting closer."
Without the two strikers, here are three key battles for Sunday:
JOHN TERRY v ADNAN JANUZAJ
The experienced head of Terry in the heart of defence has been a noticeable feature in Chelsea's success so far this term, and the 33-year-old Blues skipper will lead the bid to break down United's attack. Eighteen-year-old Januzaj has taken the Premier League by storm and shown his maturity when called upon by Moyes. He will be United's main attacking threat with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie sidelined.
EDEN HAZARD v MICHAEL CARRICK
Hazard has already put in many game-changing performances so far this season and looks likely to be given the nod from Mourinho, having scored nine league goals so far. His deadly pace combined with his crossing ability make him a handful for any team. Carrick will be looking to to stifle the Belgian's threat and stamp his own authority on the game in the middle of the park. The England international's work ethic in tracking back will be vital, but his eye for a pass going forward could prove just as influential.
FERNANDO TORRES v NEMANJA VIDIC
Torres has found form recently, with three goals in his last five Premier League games. The inconsistent Spain striker feeds off confidence and will be spurred by having netted in each of his last two outings. Tough-tackling centre-back Vidic helped United keep a clean sheet in their goalless encounter with Chelsea earlier this term and will be looking to organise his defence to achieve a similar outcome on Sunday.