Phil Jones could be fit in time to face Liverpool

There’s finally, maybe some good news on the injury front. Manchester United are “hopeful” that defender Phil Jones will be fit to face Liverpool. Jones played 90 minutes of United’s last match preceding the international break, but pulled out of England training almost immediately after reporting for duty. It now sounds like the withdrawal was a precautionary measure - and a sensible one, given that England were all but qualified anyway - and that Jones may be ready for action on Saturday.

The defender is apparently recovering from both ankle and knee injuries, but both appear to be relatively minor. Jones, who has emerged as arguably United’s best defender this season, has been in some of his best form in a United shirt. That said, the pace of Liverpool’s attack will be the sternest test that the Reds will have faced so far this season, and a half-fit Jones could be a disaster waiting to happen.

In more positive injury news, it appears Romelu Lukaku should be fit for Saturday as well. According to the Belgium manager (who owes his career to winning a cup with a team he also got relegated in the same season), Lukaku has recovered from injury and is available to face Cyprus on Tuesday. Belgium are already qualified, and Manchester United have already lost one key player due to involvement in a meaningless fixture for the other Red Devils, so one would assume that no chances would be taken with Lukaku’s fitness.