Phil Jones could miss the ENTIRE season due to a long-term knee injury in another setback, warns Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Manchester United defender last playing in January 2020
- Phil Jones last played for Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round last term
- In the summer, the centre back underwent a knee operation to solve his injury
- But the 28-year-old is still being plagued by the issue and could the entire season
Phil Jones injury hell at Manchester United is set to continue with the centre back possibly missing the rest of the season due to a long-standing knee problem.
The centre back has not played for the Red Devils since January 26, 2020 – a 6-1 FA Cup fourth-round win at Tranmere Rovers, in which he scored in.
Jones underwent a knee operation in June and Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had initially hoped he would be fit for December.
Phil Jones is set to miss Manchester United’s whole season due to a long-term knee injury
That time-frame got pushed back and speaking at the beginning of February, Solskjaer revealed he was hoping he’d ‘get his fitness back sooner, rather than later’ and demonstrated his faith by registering him in his Premier League and Europa League squad lists.
However, speaking on Tuesday; Solskjaer provided a bleaker outlook for the 28-year-old – hinting he may not feature for the club until next season now.
Asked if the England defender could feature this season, Solskjaer said: ‘With Phil, obviously we hope so but he’s working really hard.
‘He’s had a couple of setbacks and it’s just that kind of injury that you have to be patient and give him time. I know all about knee injuries.
‘I’m not sure (when he will be back). How long is a piece of rope? That’s how I felt as well when I came back.
‘So (we’ll) give him absolutely every chance to get back this season. If not, hopefully for the start of next.’
Jones has played 224 times for United since signing in 2011 and has won the 2012-13 Premier League title, the 2016 FA Cup and 2017 Europa League in that time.
