Manchester United defender Phil Jones suffered a relapse of his long-term knee injury back in July.
Jones has not featured at all under Erik ten Hag – with the manager saying earlier this year that he had only been at training once.
The Athletic has shed more light on the situation, reporting Jones suffered a relapse of his long-term knee injury.
The title-winning defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season.
Phil Jones injury situation
There is fresh spotlight on Phil Jones amid Manchester United’s defensive injuries and Harry Maguire’s suspension for the FA Cup semi-final.
Jones is eligible to play in the cup, unlike the Premier League or Europa League where he is not registered.
However, it is not considered at all likely he could play, due to fitness.
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The Athletic report “he suffered a relapse of his long-standing knee issue on the first day of training with his team-mates, which caused him serious distress.”
He has been unable to get fit since and at the Carabao Cup final, he worked with Sky Sports as a pundit.
He gave an update on his situation then, commenting: “I’m good. It’s been a long road. There’s no hiding away from that.
“I’m a strong character. I’m doing everything I can to get out on the pitch. I love playing football it’s something I love doing, so that’s the aim.”
Jones was part of the squad under Ralf Rangnick at the end of last season, making a return from a long-term lay-off.
The decision to hand him a new deal in 2019 continues to look like a serious error of judgement.