Defender fitness blow

United could be without Phil Jones for eight weeks after the defender was sent for a scan on an injury picked up in training.

The England international has only just returned to training after missing the start of the season and the sight of seeing the player leaving the training on crutches, will be a major concern for Sir Alex Ferguson. The 20-year-old was sent for scan on Saturday and the medical checks confirmed the former Blackburn man requires an extensive period of rehabilitation. A statement issued by the club read: "Phil Jones has had surgery on a knee meniscus tear sustained in training that will require six to eight weeks' rehabilitation." The news will be a major blow for United, who are already without fellow defenders Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling also struggling for fitness.