Manchester United 'hopeful of Phil Jones return before end of season'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 28 March 2017

England international Phil Jones is expected to return to action for Manchester United within the next two months, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly confident that defender Phil Jones will return to action before the end of the season after picking up an injury to his toe.

The 25-year-old sustained his latest problem in a training-ground challenge with teammate Chris Smalling while away on international duty with England.

Jones is said to have undergone a scan on Tuesday afternoon and, according to Sky Sports News, the initial prognosis is a positive one as the centre-back is likely to be back before the campaign is out.

It is suggested that United will wait for further tests later this week before officially providing an update on his condition, with one month expected to be the timeline on his return.

Chris Smalling could be facing a spell on the sidelines, meanwhile, as he was pictured wearing a protective boot while out in Manchester on Tuesday.

United have a hectic run of fixtures to come in April as they face nine sides across two competitions, starting with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.