Paul Pogba won't be making his Manchester United return against City on Sunday

Paul Pogba has stepped up his return from injury – but will not be back in time for Manchester United’s clash with City on Sunday.

The France international will resume full training next week after undergoing ankle surgery.

There were hopes he would be in contention for the derby at Old Trafford – but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed any return is likely to have to wait until the end of the month.

He said: “Paul’s still working with the physios outside and he won’t be training with the first team until next week. Then let’s see how long that will take. He needs time to get his football fitness back.”

Pogba has endured an injury-ravaged season after suffering ankle and foot problems.

It has reduced him to just five Premier League starts, with his last appearance coming in the Boxing Day win against Newcastle.

His absence has only added to the uncertainty over his future, with United ready to accept a bid in the region of £150m for him this summer.

While Solskjaer has always maintained the World Cup winner has a future at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes’ arrival has also shown the Norwegian there is life after the Pogba.

Solskjaer hailed the Portugal international’s impact since joining the club for £47m in January.

“I’m not surprised because I saw what he can do on the pitch and his leadership qualities,” he said. “If you do your due diligence and speak to people who know his personality, you’d hope he’d have this influence, but couldn’t be 100 percent sure.

“Some players take six months, but the point was to get him in because of the quality. He relishes it, loves being around the place, gives everyone a boost and has an aura.”

United face Derby in the FA Cup fifth round on Thursday as Solskjaer looks to extend a run of eight games without defeat.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt and will face a late test on a back issue, while Dan James is expected to miss out again after being ruled out of Sunday’s draw with Everton due to a knock.