Manchester United defender Phil Jones faces a further eight weeks on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury in training earlier this week, according to The Guardian.
The injury compounds a frustrating time for the 20-year-old who had already missed Manchester United’s first three Premier League games of the season as well as England’s 5-0 victory in Moldova due to a back injury.
A club statement said, “Phil Jones has had surgery on a knee meniscus tear sustained in training that will require six to eight weeks’ rehabilitation.” As a result, the youngster will now miss key games for both club and country.
Jones will now miss Manchester United’s key Premier League clashes with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal as well as the Red Devil’s opening three Champions League fixtures against Galatasaray, Cluj and Braga. Additionally, the central defender will be absent for England’s World Cup Qualifiers against San Marino and Poland next month.
Jones’ absence is a further defensive blow for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who is still without Chris Smalling after the utility man broke his metatarsal last month.
Jones, whose leadership skills have touted him to be a future England captain, had an impressive first season at Old Trafford following his £16.5 million move from Blackburn Rovers in June 2011. His ability to play at both centre-back and defensive midfield have made him a useful acquisition for the United manager.
Meanwhile, on a more positive note for Ferguson, defenders Johnny Evans and Rio Ferdinand are thought to have regained full fitness and will be available for selection when Manchester United welcome Wigan Athletic to Old Trafford on Saturday.
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