United´s Jones stays sidelined

Manchester United have announced defender Phil Jones could be on the sidelines for up to two months after having surgery for a knee injury.

Jones picked up the injury in training for United and has not played for the Old Trafford club this season having also picked up a back injury during pre-season.

In a statement to their official website, a club spokesman said: “Phil Jones has had surgery on a knee meniscus tear sustained in training that will require six to eight weeks of rehabilitation.”

Jones joined United in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers for a fee believed to be at least 16.5 million pounds, making his debut in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

He made 29 appearances for the club in the English Premier League as they finished second behind their city rivals, scoring his first goal for the club against Aston Villa.

Last season, Jones made his debut for the England senior side in the 2-2 draw away to Montenegro in their Euro 2012 qualifier, and was included in manager Roy Hodgson’s final squad for the tournament.

United still have other injury concerns in their defence, as Chris Smalling remains unavailable with a broken metatarsal, but Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand have returned.