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Former Manchester United midfielder Bryan Robson believes Michael Carrick's injury absence has hurt the club this season.
The 33-year-old, who underwent surgery on an ankle problem, is yet to make an appearance for United this term as Louis van Gaal's side have slumped to four Premier League defeats and an early League Cup exit to MK Dons.
Carrick was an unused substitute for successive league draws against West Brom and Chelsea in October, but Robson feels Sunday's Manchester derby may come too soon for the England international.
"Michael's been a big miss to United," Robson is quoted as saying by the Daily Express.
"When he was injured last season he was a big loss to us and again this season.
Rio Ferdinand's Manchester United XI
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"He's an intelligent player who gets into the right areas. He's about 6ft 2ins and defensively at set plays is very good. He intercepts things very well. That's why he's important as well.
"The only thing the manager has to be careful of is, if there are a few players coming back from injury, you don't want to play too many who are a little bit rusty because it's a derby game.
"It's going to be a million miles an hour, loads of passion and pace, so the lads who have been playing week in week out are probably more up to speed with the game."