United hit by Jones blow

Phil Jones is likely to be ruled out of Manchester United's UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter with Real Madrid next week after being struck down by a bout of shingles. Jones missed United's Premier League win at Fulham on Saturday and 24 hours later was withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad for tomorrow night's encounter with Sweden in Walsall. No reason was given by the Old Trafford outfit for the absences. However, England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has confirmed Jones is suffering from shingles. "Jones picked up shingles and there's not a lot we can do about it," said Pearce to several national newspapers. "It's a shame because it makes us stronger when Phil's here, that's for sure. But it gives someone else a chance." A similar virus to chicken-pox, shingles is relatively common and the symptoms last for at least a fortnight. So, depending upon the severity, it is difficult to see Jones recovering in time to make the trip to Madrid for next Wednesday's game. It would be a blow to Sir Alex Ferguson too as the youngster recently excelled in a central midfield role against Tottenham and United might have been looking for Jones to carry out the same duties again as they look to get a positive result to take back to Old Trafford for the decider on 5 March. From FIFA