Reds sweating over Jones

Date published: 22 March 2017


MANCHESTER United are sweating on Phil Jones' fitness after the defender sustained a foot injury in England training on the eve of the friendly with Germany.

A nagging spell of injuries over recent years looked to have stunted the 25-year-old's progress, yet he has established himself as a key player under Jose Mourinho since returning to the fold in November.

RECALL


Jones' form led to an international recall for Gareth Southgate's first matches as permanent England manager, although hopes of a first cap since November 2015 have been hit by a training ground incident.

The centre-back was hurt on the eve of the glamour friendly in Germany and has now returned to United for assessment.

"We don't know," Southgate said when asked about the severity of Jones' issue.

"We didn't feel it was an injury that we could treat and have him ready for the game tomorrow."

Meanwhile, United will play Manchester City as part of the 2017 International Champions Cup in the United States, while also taking on Real Madrid and Barcelona, it was announced on Tuesday.

The Premier League sides were scheduled to meet in Beijing during last summer's tour to the Far East, but that match was postponed just hours before kick-off because of concerns over the state of the National Stadium pitch following torrential rain.

City will also take on Tottenham as part of the American section of the 2017 ICC, playing at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on July 29.

The venue for what will be the first Manchester derby played overseas has yet to be announced.