Manchester United defender Phil Jones is confident he will be fit to play at the weekend against Newcastle United, according to the Guardian.
The newspaper claims that the 25-year-old is “optimistic” he will be available against the Magpies despite suffering a calf injury during the international break while on duty with England.
It is understood that the centre-back had tests with United’s medical department on Monday and feels he could be in line to feature on Saturday evening.
Jones has become a key first teamer in Jose Mourinho’s side this season and is an ever-present in the defence.
The powerhouse defender picked up an injury against Huddersfield in October and the latest setback is set to be reoccurrence.
However, he may not have to miss a club game and will want to be involved as United look to close the gap to leaders Manchester City in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Newcastle travel to Old Trafford looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats in the league.
Rafael Benitez’s side would prefer not to have in-form Jones lining up against them as they have struggled for goals already this campaign.
OPINION
Newcastle will be happy to get anything out of the game at the weekend when they face a very strong United side, who are certainly more resilient when Jones is involved. He has formed a brilliant understanding alongside Eric Bailly at centre-back and the duo are beginning to shape Mourinho’s defence. Newcastle striker Joselu could get the nod once again in attack when domestic football resumes after the internationals and is lacking quality in the final third. It could be worth the visitors using the pace of Dwight Gayle or the strength of Aleksandar Mitrovic to try ask some serious questions of the United defence.