Phil Jones Injury: Manchester United Star Out 1 Month with Knee Injury

Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones has suffered yet another injury, casting serious doubts over his long-term future with the club.

Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News confirmed the unlucky defender will be out for a month after suffering a knee ligament injury.

It's but the latest in a long line of physical problems for the 24-year-old defender, who impressed early in his career with the Red Devils but has gradually taken on a reduced role within the squad.

Other centre-backs like Chris Smalling have stepped up while Jones worked his way back to full strength, and with summer signing Eric Bailly impressing early, one has to wonder whether the England international still has a future with the club.

Jones is a talented defender when he's fit, capable of winning physical battles and using his vision to make key stops. But per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery, he simply can't be trusted to stay healthy:

Clubs have little use for a player who spends more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, and at some point, the Red Devils will have to make a difficult decision.

It's unfortunate for Jones, who is still young and might be able to shake the injury bug and live up to his potential at some point in the future.

But whether United can afford to wait for that moment―if it happens at all―is a question that will be answered at the end of the campaign. Right now, it's not looking good for the former Blackburn Rovers star.