While the focus very much remains on the World Cup, it's worth remembering that a host of Manchester United first-team members are still topping up their fitness under the watch of Erik ten Hag.
Alejandro Garnacho, David de Gea and Donny van de Beek have not travelled to Qatar with the remaining group undergoing a week-long training camp in Spain.
United will play two friendlies during the trip; against Cadiz on Wednesday, December 7 and versus Real Betis on Saturday, December 10. The Reds return to action three days after the World Cup final when they take on Burnley in the League Cup fourth round on December 21.
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United players who venture into the latter stages of the tournament in Qatar will be unlikely to feature in the tie, their return dates more probable to be on December 27 when the club resumes their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest.
But those back at base will not be resting in the interim as Ten Hag attempts to keep the rest of his squad in good shape. Cadiz are in the midst of a relegation battle in La Liga.
They are second from bottom having picked up just 11 points from 14 matches, winning just twice so far. The Spaniards are themselves playing three friendlies and will have already played against fifth-tier side Xeres by the time they meet United.
Cadiz have former Manchester City and Middlesbrough striker Alvaro Negredo in their setup, now aged 37. Australian Awer Mabil is the sole squad player to have travelled to the World Cup.
How to watch Cadiz vs Manchester United
The friendly will be broadcast live on MUTV, with those subscribed to the service able to log in and watch the action unfold as it happens. Coverage will begin at 6.30pm ahead of a 7pm kick-off.
The Manchester Evening News will provide live updates and reaction before, during and after the match. Highlights of the game will go live on United's media channels shortly after the final whistle.
Team news
There has been no new injury news so several prominent squad figures not taken to the Middle East could make the line-up. De Gea, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay are all set to feature.
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