Phil Jones is expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks after picking up an injury in training. Sky Sports reports.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be disappointed to lose Jones, who has now had surgery and faces long road to recovery, but Chris Smalling could return to training by the end of the month to help ease Sir Alex Ferguson’s defensive woes.

Johnny Evans also retuned to action inNorthern Ireland’s defeat toRussiaon Tuesday and is available for selection in Saturday’s match against Wigan.

There was more good news for the United boss, when both Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa passed fitness tests after picking up knocks while on international duty.

Sir Alex said: “On the injury front, everyone’s fit, apart from the ones we know about – Jones and Smalling.

“Jones was a bad blow for us. He got an injury in training last weekend and he’ll be out for eight to 10 weeks.”

The Red Devils will be looking to continue where they left off before the break, when Van Persie’s stoppage-time header secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Southampton.

[divider]

Complete the survey below to be in with the chance of winning a football shirt of your choice…

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.