Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Phil Jones is nearing a return to first-team action.
Jones has been ruled out for a prolonged period having undergone knee surgery, but could return within a fortnight.
Ferguson revealed that Jones will take part in first-team training on Monday, and estimated that he would be able to make his competitive return in United's match against Queens Park Rangers on November 24.
"Jones trains with the first team on Monday with the football side, which is good, and he should be available maybe 10 days after that so things are looking better that way," Ferguson told MUTV.
Fellow defender Nemanja Vidic, however, is still some way from making his return from injury, with Ferguson doubting that he will play again this year.
"Nemanja is a long way off," said Ferguson. "We can forget about him until after Christmas, I think."
United currently sit top of the Premier League table, one point clear of second-placed Chelsea.
