Phil Jones Injury: Manchester United Defender Suffers Injury vs. Hull City

Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones has played down the injury that forced him off 10 minutes into the second half of the Red Devils' 0-0 draw against Hull City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Jones was removed on 55 minutes, but he told MUTV (h/t the club's official website) the problem is not serious: "My foot's bruised, but I'll be fine. It's nothing sinister, nothing serious, so hopefully in a few days I'll be fine."

News of the problem was relayed by United's official Twitter account, although specific details about the injury weren't revealed:

Simon Stone of BBC Sport noted the former Blackburn Rovers ace made a speedy exit from the pitch, a possible sign the injury is bad, as he was replaced by fellow England international Chris Smalling:

Speaking of the England national team, Jones has been showing form worthy of selection. Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News praised the defender's composure against the Tigers:

The 24-year-old had been a standout at the back for United this season, as numbers provided by Squawka Football proved:

Injuries are nothing new for Jones, and United fans will hope he's right that his latest problem is nothing serious. According to Transfermarkt, the player dealt with four injuries during the 2015-16 campaign, and while none of them were long term, each was a blow to his development.

However, things have been different for the defender this season. He's formed a formidable partnership with Marcos Rojo to give United solidity at the heart of the back four.

Manager Jose Mourinho still has options, including Smalling. He can also call upon Rojo, summer signing Eric Bailly and the versatile Daley Blind in this area of the field.

However, no United centre-back has looked as assured or as physically dominant as Jones this season. Mourinho's team is sure to miss its defensive focal point.