Manchester United hopeful on Jones’ fitness ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester United are hopeful Phil Jones will be fit to play against Liverpool on Saturday despite withdrawing from the England squad through injury, reports ESPN. 

Jones was unable to take part in England’s final two World Cup qualifiers because of a minor knee injury that forced the 25-year-old to pull out of Gareth Southgate’s squad.

The United defender returned to Carrington as a precaution for further assessment and Jose Mourinho’s side are hopeful he will be available for their trip to Anfield in Saturday’s early kick off.

Mourinho is already without a number of first team players this weekend and he will hope to have Jones available after forming a solid partnership with Eric Bailly at the heart of United’s defence this season.

United have made an unbeaten start to the season and have only conceded two goals in their opening seven league games, although Jones was arguably at fault for both goals in a 2-2 draw away to Stoke. Other than that, he has hardly put a foot wrong this season.

Since the start of last season, United have marginally won a greater proportion of their Premier League matches (56%) with Jones in the starting XI compared to when he has not featured from the off (50%).