Phil Jones out for a further 8 weeks with knee meniscus tear

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Phil Jones of Manchester United reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at Stadium of Light on May 13, 2012 in Sunderland, England.

Rumours of an injury setback for Phil Jones were confirmed this morning by Steve Bartam, who works on ManUtd.com. The Daily Mail reported that Jones left the training ground on Thursday using crutchesand having received confirmation from the club, it’s become clear that Jones will be out for a further 6-8 weeks in order to fully recover from what’s described as a knee meniscus tear.

The injury is a further setback for United fans keen to get more centre backs playing again, with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand remaining the only natural centre backs who are fit. With Rio remaining so injury prone, we’re really treading on thin ice and further reports in today’s papers say that Jonny Evans aggravated a knee injury last night playing for Northern Ireland.