Phil Jones reportedly won’t be an option to ease Manchester United’s defensive injury crisis, with the the 31-year-old struggling to overcome a long-term knee injury.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag is facing a defensive headache with Lisandro Martinez having been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Raphael Varane is doubtful to appear again.
Both defenders were taken off with injuries during the Red Devils 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof deputising in the 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Maguire will be absent for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton on Sunday due to suspension.
Jones, who is unable to feature in the Premier League after being left out of United’s squad, is not in contention to play at Wembley.
According to the Athletic, Jones is yet to train this campaign after suffering a relapse in a long-standing knee injury on the first day of pre-season.
The relapse reportedly caused Jones serious distress, with the defender still yet to recover from the injury.
Jones had featured five times for the Red Devils last season under then interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
He had missed the duration of the 2020-21 season through injury.
Jones insisted he hasn’t given up hope of resurrecting his career when working as a pundit for Sky Sports during the Carabao Cup final in February.
‘It’s been a long road, there’s no hiding from that – at times physically and mentally,’ Jones said.
‘I’m a strong character and I love playing football. I’m doing everything I can to get back on the pitch. When you’ve had all the issues and injury wise, you know, it’s hard to deal with that.
‘The club have been absolutely fantastic with me. I think I’ve had good support around me from family and friends. I’m grateful for that and I want to be back outside.’
Jones has made 229 appearances for the club since joining from Blackburn Rovers back in 2011.
Injuries have restricted Jones to making just 13 appearances over the past four seasons.
Jones signed a four-year contract extension back in 2019, a season where he featured 24 times in all competitions under then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
His deal will expire this summer with the defender expected to leave the club.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
