Manchester City midfielder Owen Hargreaves is expected to face former club Manchester United in Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at the Etihad Stadium.
Gareth Barry's suspension means that the 30-year-old is likely to be promoted to the first-team squad, according to The Guardian.
The former England international joined City on a free transfer over the summer after four injury-plagued years at Old Trafford.
Following the move, Hargreaves criticised the methods of United's medical staff over his prolonged knee problems.
