United defender withdraws from international duty with injury

Manchester United may have heard good news on the Romelu Lukaku injury front, but José Mourinho has fresh concerns in the shape of defender Phil Jones. The 25-year-old was called up by England manager Gareth Southgate for forthcoming fixtures against Slovenia and Lithuania, but has withdrawn — alongside Manchester City’s Fabian Delph — with a mystery problem. An FA statement, quoted by the Manchester Evening News, read as follows:

“Delph and Jones had reported to St. George’s Park on Sunday evening but after being assessed before training on Monday, it was felt best they return to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively for treatment.”

Traditionally seen as a fringe player at Old Trafford, Jones has established himself as a first-team regular since Mourinho’s arrival. He’s been handed seven league starts already this season, and has looked pleasingly solid while doing so. Let’s just hope this is a classic big club stunt rather than a serious injury concern.