Phil Jones 'receives fitness boost by returning to Manchester United training'

Manchester United defender Phil Jones could return to the fold over the hectic Christmas period after reportedly taking part in training this week.

The 22-year-old has been out of action for the last seven weeks with shin splints and last featured for the Red Devils in their 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in October.

According to the Manchester Evening News, manager Louis van Gaal prefers injured players to undergo a two-week training schedule before returning to the first team, which means that Jones could play on Boxing Day against Newcastle United.

This weekend against Liverpool at Old Trafford, United will be without defender Chris Smalling, who is likely to miss the next two weeks injured.