Manchester United injury news: Michael Carrick fit to face Liverpool as Phil Jones trains with first-team

Manchester United have received a major boost after Phil Jones returned to training following recovery from thrombosis. The defender, who has been sidelined for over a month, is yet to make an appearance this season. But the Englishman may find it difficult to break into the team with Louis van Gaal preferring Daley Blind and Chris Smalling at the heart of the Red Devils' back four.

According to the Mirror, the defender has made a complete recovery from the shin splits he suffered prior to their opening game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur and trained with the first-team ahead of their match against Liverpool. However, the defender will not be included in the squad for the match, as the specialist has still not given the all clear.

The initial diagnosis suggested that the England international would be sidelined for up to three weeks, but it has extended to just over a month. The Dutch manager is pleased with Jones's recovery and is confident that he will train with the team again next week.

"Jones was already injured so I have two injured players. It is going very well with him, the clot has gone. We need the permission of the specialist at the hospital but I think, next week, he will train again with us," Van Gaal told United's official site.

The former Bayern Munich manager has also delivered positive news regarding Michael Carrick, who pulled out of international duty with England due to a calf injury prior to their game against San Marino. It was initially feared that he would miss the game against Liverpool on 12 September, but the United boss has admitted that the midfielder could play a part against their arch rivals.

"He [Carrick] can play. He was very wise to come in [pull out of international duty], but I think he can play. We have to wait and see also in the last training session, but I think he can play," the Dutchman added.