Manchester United duo Hannibal Mejbri and Amad Diallo may still see African Cup of Nations action.
The youngsters are not part of the Tunisian and Ivory Coast squads at present.
However, Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations do have a loopholes that allows for replacements in squads.
If any player gets injured, the team does have 24 hours to call up a replacement.
Whether the United youngsters accept such late call ups remains to be seen.
The first game of the competition takes place in January 13th, with United shot stopper Andre Onana playing for Cameroon in the tournament.
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