Chido Obi has become a full-time member of Ruben Amorim's Manchester United senior squad in the second half of the season, but he may not be in action again until next term. The 17-year-old is popular among fans after he snubbed a new contract at Arsenal to join United's academy last summer, having smashed records in youth football.
Obi became the Red Devils' youngest ever Premier League starter in the 4-3 defeat at Brentford on May 4, aged 17 years and 156 days. The teenage striker has shown promising glimpses without scoring in his first seven first-team appearances as he adapts to the step up. However, he looks likely to continue his development next season as Amorim switches his focus towards the Europa League final.
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Obi wasn't among the 21 United players who travelled down to Chelsea on Thursday.
Amorim's side visit Stamford Bridge on Friday night, in what is essentially a warm-up fixture ahead of next Wednesday's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad were the only forwards spotted among the squad, indicating that Obi won't be involved.
That is likely because the Danish starlet isn't eligible for the Europa League final after United didn't register him in their A list, and he didn't fit the criteria for the B list.
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Obi's absence in the Europa League has left Hojlund as Amorim's only natural striker throughout an unbeaten campaign in Europe.
And the Portuguese head coach will want to ensure those in line to start the mammoth clash against Spurs enter in optimum sharpness and fitness.
Other likely starters in Bilbao, including Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, should join Hojlund in starting at Chelsea.
Obi could feature in United's final game of the season, when Aston Villa visit Old Trafford to wrap up a dreadful Premier League campaign.
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But that will be viewed as a glorified friendly, regardless of whether the hosts are on a high from Europa League success or still recovering from heartbreak.
Obi's transition into senior football has come sooner than expected, while partly supported by United's continued injury issues this season.
Amorim is expected to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window, but Hojlund's future is far from certain. Obi will play a role again next term.
However, the pressure is on Hojlund to deliver against Chelsea and Spurs as United look to salvage another tumultuous campaign.