The 24-year-old seemed to have aggravated a thigh injury during England’s draw with Germany on Friday night.
Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones (Photo: AFP)
Manchester United fans were alarmed to see Phil Jones limping off during England’s friendly clash with Germany on Friday night but Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate insisted that the defender was fine.
“I thought there were a few shaky moments in the first half. Mainly due to Phil carrying something,” Southgate stated at his post-match press conference.
Jones started the tie with his thigh heavily strapped but his movements looked a bit laboured from the off and the 24-year-old finally had to come off in the 25th minute, with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez replacing him to make his England debut.
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Despite Jones’ absence, England managed to hold the reigning World Cup champions to a creditable 0-0 draw but United manager Jose Mourinho will not be happy that his player apparently aggravated an old injury.
“He seems fine, we’ve checked him out. It’s something he’s been carrying but he doesn’t seem to be any worse so that’s fine. We’ll see whether Phil stays with us,” the 47-year-old Southgate added.
Considering Jones’ injury-plagued past, starting him when he was carrying an injury perhaps wasn’t the wisest move and it looks likely that the centre-back will be missing in action for a period of two-four weeks.
Since Southgate is confident the injury isn’t serious, perhaps Jones will remain with the England squad as they prepare for a mammoth tie with Brazil but it is likely United will recall their player to assess him for themselves.
The Red Devils are trailing leaders Manchester City by eight points in the Premier League and will look to get Jones fit in time for a home clash with Newcastle United on November 18 but ti remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old will be able to feature so soon.
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