Phil Jones of Manchester United.Photograph: Simon Cooper / PA Wire
Phil Jones has travelled with Manchester United to the Europa League final due to a knee injury, confirmed technician Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 28-year-old has had a difficult season and made the last 8 appearances in the FA Cup fourth-round win in January at Tranmere.
Jones has been absent since returning to football after the coronavirus was suspended for injury, but was included in United’s 30-man team for the Europa League’s 16-man circular in Germany.
However, the zaguero will appear in the quarter-finals against FC Copenhagen or beyond due to a knee challenge that has made him stay in Manchester.
“Phil underwent a personalized educational program in the post-blocking era to optimize recovery from a knee problem,” United technician Solskjaer said on the club’s website.
“It’s a smart opportunity, as we had enough politics in defensive positions for the remaining Premier League matches and will continue to paint with a physical preparer at the Aon educational complex while the team is in Germany.
Ethan Galbraith, Ethan Laird and 18-year-old defender Teden Mengi, who made his debut Wednesday against LASK, are from the Cologne team.
Axel Tuanzebe and Luke Shaw have been kicked out of the current Europa League squad due to season-ending injuries.