Manchester United’s Phil Jones may miss up to a month with a hamstring injury

MANCHESTER United defender Phil Jones has been ruled out for up to a month with a hamstring injury, manager Louis van Gaal said.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (L) celebrates with Phil Jones (2nd L) and Danny Welbeck (R) after scoring his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, 10/12/2011.

MANCHESTER United defender Phil Jones has been ruled out for up to a month with a hamstring injury, manager Louis van Gaal said overnight.

Jones limped off during the second half of England’s 2-0 win in their Euro 2016 qualifier in Switzerland on Monday and he is now likely to be out of action for at least four weeks.

“Phil has a torn hamstring,” van Gaal said.

If Jones is out for a month he will miss United’s next four games and his place in the England squad for October’s double-header against San Marino and Estonia will also be in doubt.

“Phil Jones was injured with the national team,” van Gaal said. “And is now maybe out for three weeks to a month but that’s difficult to say.

“And it is also not good to say that because I lay pressure on him. After three weeks you will say ‘why is he not fit again’ it’s not good for the player,” added the Dutchman, still to achieve his first competitive win as United boss ahead of Queens Park Rangers’ visit to Old Trafford for a Premier League match on Sunday.

Jones has joined a lengthy United injury list that includes Ashley Young (groin), Chris Smalling (pelvis), Marouane Fellaini (foot) and Michael Carrick (ankle).

Phil Jones of Manchester United shows his frustration during a match between Burnley and Manchester United.

However, van Gaal confirmed that left-back Luke Shaw will be in contention to make his first United appearance since a pre-season move from Southampton after he overcame a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile Ander Herrera and Rafael both came through a behind-closed-doors game unscathed and should be in contention for a return.

“Luke Shaw is fit enough to play minutes, but not to play the whole game. There is a difference,” van Gaal added.

New signings Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Falcao are also poised to make their full debuts while Angel di Maria is set to make his first appearance at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal also insisted he was not concerned at the prospect of how to accommodate all his star players into his favoured 3-4-1-2 formation.

“You always want to buy the best players for the positions. I think we have done very good in the transfer window. Despite not being in the Champions League the players are coming to United.

“We have to produce results, and have to start that on Sunday against QPR.”

Van Gaal added the goal of a top three finish in the Premier League, set by United chief executive Ed Woodward, was a realistic aim.

Originally published as Manchester United’s Phil Jones may miss up to a month with a hamstring injury