PHIL JONES will not play for Manchester United this season, despite injuries suffered by Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
The Red Devils are down to just Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof after Varane and Martinez were struck down.
Martinez, 25, will miss the remainder of the campaign after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot.
While an injury suffered by Varane in the same match will keep the Frenchman out for at least a "few weeks".
While Maguire and Lindelof are the only out and out centre-backs currently at boss Erik ten Hag's disposal, fans will not see the return of Jones.
The 31-year-old returned from a long lay off last season and played five times under Ralf Rangnick.
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He then worked tirelessly last summer to get himself in the best possible shape ahead of pre-season.
But according to The Athletic, he suffered a relapse of his long-term knee issue on the very first day of training with team-mates.
The issue was said to have caused Jones "serious distress" and has kept him out since.
He has not been able to complete a single training session under Ten Hag and is not in United's Premier League or Europa League squads.
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Jones would theoretically be eligible for their FA Cup semi-final with Brighton, but won't be fit to play.
The defender is likely to leave upon the conclusion of his contract at the end of this season.
And Luke Shaw is seen a more viable option to cover at centre-back.
Jones appeared on Sky Sports' coverage of United's Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle in February.
On his injury woes, he said: "It’s been a long road, there’s no hiding from that – at times physically and mentally.
“I’m a strong character and I love playing football. I’m doing everything I can to get back on the pitch.
“When you’ve had all the issues and injury wise, it’s hard to deal with that.
“The club have been absolutely fantastic with me. I think I’ve had good support around me from family and friend.
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“I’m grateful for that and I want to be back outside.”
Jones has played 229 times for Man United since joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2011.
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