OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER fears it could be next season before defender Phil Jones is ready to return from long-term injury.
The former England star has not played for the Red Devils since January 2020 due to a knee problem.
Manchester United could be without Phil Jones until the end of the seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Solskjaer initially expected him back in December but then he pushed that back to New Year – and now says there are no guarantees it will be this season.
He said: “Obviously we hope so because he’s working really hard.
“He’s had a couple of setbacks and it’s that kind of injury you have to be patient with.
“I’m not sure how long it will be, how long is a piece of rope? That’s how I felt when I came back from injury.
“Hopefully this season but if not then the start of next.”
Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani is set to return to United’s squad for the trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
The Uruguayan has been sidelined with a muscle injury since the disappointing 1-1 draw at West Brom last month.
And his return will be a welcome boost to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he looks to keep United in control of their top four destiny.
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Solskjaer said: “We’ve had a training session this morning – of course it was a light one, we’re looking OK. There are a couple of doubts for tomorrow and we have to give them as much time as poss.
“But Edinson has trained – that’s good. Let’s hope there’s no reaction and he will travel to the squad.”
Solskjaer said midfielder Paul Pogba is not yet ready to return from a thigh injury which has kept him out of the last six matches.
The United boss said: “Paul is still not ready for us, he’s feeling better, he’s not been training with the team yet so he’s definitely not travelling down to London.”
Meanwhile, Solskjaer wants to move on from the penalty controversy which overshadowed their goalless draw at Chelsea on Sunday.
Referee Stuart Attwell somehow failed to award a spot-kick for a handball against Callum Hudson-Odoi in the first half at Stamford Bridge.
Both Solskjaer and defender Luke Shaw made their feelings known post-match – although they subsequently avoided an FA charge.
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As they prepare to return to London, the United boss said: “That’s water under the bridge, you move on to the next one.
“It’s a high pressure situation and we have to accept the decision was made. All my focus after the game has been on Palace, I’ve not looked back at all on that.
“I think the refs have a difficult enough job without any extra pressure. We should just leave them to it – they make as many good decisions as they can.”
Solskjaer says Man Utd are not scoring enough after disappointing goalless draw with Chelsea
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
