Report: Man United’s Phil Jones optimistic of return against Newcastle

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Man United defender Phil Jones is a doubt for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle.

Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes he still has a shot at returning to full fitness ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United, according to the Guardian.

The 25-year-old limped off the Wembley Stadium pitch on Friday night during England’s 0-0 draw against Germany just 25 minutes into the match, after being inspected by the Three Lions medical staff.

The former Blackburn Rovers centre-back suffered a calf injury, which is believed to be a similar problem to the muscle injury that saw him substituted against Huddersfield Town back in October.

However, Newcastle’s chances of an upset against Jose Mourinho’s side could be about to receive a blow as Jones is confident he can prove his fitness ahead of Saturday afternoon’s outing at Old Trafford.

United already have a number of players missing, in experienced duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Michael Carrick, while Paul Pogba and Marcos Rojo are still nursing injuries.

Newcastle are expected to be without defensive duo Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett, while Mikel Merino could be sidelined until the end of 2017 with a back problem.

Jones, a 24-time England international, has been in exceptional form for United this season. Playing in all 11 Premier League matches, Jones has helped United amass an incredible eight clean sheets, conceding only four goals.

If Newcastle can defy the odds and earn just a third win in 30 games against United, then they could climb as high as eighth position if Brighton, Watford and Huddersfield all drop points.