PHIL JONES has been included in Manchester United's Champions League squad.
The defender, 29, has come back into contention under Ralf Rangnick after missing the first half of the season through injury.
And with Uefa rules allowing United to make up to three changes to the squad, Jones has found a way into selection.
The big reason for that is because three players previously part of the Champions League squad left in January – Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Amad Diallo.
All three featured in the Champions League group stage before departing on loan.
Jones has been recalled in their place along with goalkeeper Lee Grant.
That means the centre-back could feature against Atletico Madrid, though he is still very much a back-up behind Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.
But Jones has played twice since the new year – against Wolves and Middlesbrough.
Most read in Football
VILE ATTACK
Kurt Zouma booted his pet cat – even though he's ambassador for 'lion charity'
West Ham's Kurt Zouma KICKS & slaps his pet cat in horrific video
Teenage Leicester fan charged with assaulting three Nottingham Forest players
Lampard jumps to Dele's defence after Hoddle's criticism of clothes and car
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
If he does play it will be his first Champions League appearance since he played in a 3-0 quarter-final defeat against Barcelona in 2019.
And it could present another opportunity for Jones to resurrect his United career, days after he rejected a loan offer to join Bordeaux.
Ralf Rangnick, meanwhile, is pleased to still be in the Champions League but his main priority seems to be qualifying for next year's competition.
He said: “We are fourth in the league and everybody inside of the club, including myself, would be happy if we finish fourth at the end of the season.
“We are still in the Champions League, unfortunately no longer involved in the FA Cup.
“The full focus with my coaching staff is getting the best out of this season. It is the only thing we can do and we can achieve that.
“We would be more likely to achieve that if we improve our performances.”
⚽ Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
Source: Read Full Article