Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has been given time off from his rehabilitation to ensure he avoids a harrowing reminder of the worst night of his career against PSV Eindhoven.
Shaw suffered a double leg break in the first Champions League meeting between the clubs in September and was due to attend tonight's (Wednesday's) fixture at Old Trafford.
Instead, manager Louis Van Gaal does not want to trigger further upset in the left back, who has become despondent during the early stages of the recovery process.
"Now he is a bit fed up with his daily routine so, because of PSV, I gave him four days off," said Van Gaal. "Friday, he will have a scan and then we will know more about how the injury is going.
"The first reason he was fed up was the routine and the second reason, I thought, was maybe the match against PSV. Players have to watch the game from the stadium to support their colleague. I do not expect him to attend the game but he could surprise me."
The challenge on Shaw by Hector Moreno prompted suggestions that United may seek retribution - the PSV defender is sure to incur the wrath of elements of the crowd - but Van Gaal reiterated that no blame should be directed at him.
"My players are not doing that. I am sure of that," said Van Gaal. "I'm sure that won't be an issue. It was not on purpose. In football it can happen. It's not the first time someone is injured.
"The first match was very disappointing, not only because of the result but because of the loss of Luke Shaw.
"I said he would be the revelation of the season. Last season was his adaptation season and he was on his way. Because of that I did not buy a left back because I had Blind and Rojo who could play in that position. Still, it is a big loss because he is the best left full-back of United. With an injury like that it can go well and then one week it could be months behind. He is dealing with his injury."
United have further injury concerns ahead of game which could secure their place in the last 16. Van Gaal will be without Phil Jones, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia.
Captain Wayne Rooney is back after illness and is expected to feature, although Van Gaal has warned his captain he is not an automatic choice if he is not feeling 100 per cent recovered.
Asked if it was a formality Rooney would be selected, Van Gaal said: "No. That is not automatic. It is the decision of the manager. I compare these players with each other and take into account how fit they are and how fit they showed they are in the training session. Fellaini and Rooney and Martial have to show on the training ground - their fitness - and then I have to compare players to see who the best for our game plan. Every match is the same procedure."
Van Gaal said earlier in the season his captain had certain privileges which ensured selection, but he clarified that was dependent on fitness.
"Fitness is the most important thing and he has to show his fitness and then he has all the privileges that he has."
The United manager was also cautious about offering too much praise to Memphis Depay, who responded to criticism with a goal at Watford last weekend. "I am the type of coach who does not demand one good match but several matches," said Van Gaal. Players like Memphis are happy with the freedom so they can excel. He showed that in the first half, but in the second half less so. But that's logical when not playing all the time."
Second in the Premier League and a victory from Champions League progression, United - on the surface at least - seem to be occupying familiar territory once more, challenging for the biggest honours. An undercurrent of discontent regarding the style of play still lingers, however.
Daley Blind is dismissive of the suggestion United have become a dull side to watch.
"I think some games we did not score a lot of goals but created chances and maybe if you don't see the game you think it is boring," he said.