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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed that England international Phil Jones is fit enough to make a return to the starting XI, while youngster Memphis Depay has been ruled out
Manchester United will take on CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford on Tuesday night without Dutchman Memphis Depay, whose injury — picked up in the Capital One Cup defeat to Middlesbrough — continues to keep him sidelined. Along with the unavailability of the 21-year-old, manager Louis van Gaal also confirmed that defender Phil Jones has recovered in time for the game and is likely to be selected in the starting XI.
Speaking to Manchester United TV, the club’s official channel, Van Gaal confirmed that Jones would replace youngster Axel Tuanzebe in the match-day squad. “Phil Jones has replaced him [Tuanzebe] and Phil Jones is returning in the selection, so my preference is for Phil Jones,” said the Dutchman.
In other team news, France international Morgan Schneiderlin was granted leave from Monday’s training session for personal reasons, but could yet make a return to feature in Tuesday’s Group B clash. “He [Morgan] had private reasons to be excused and I accepted his reasons,” Van Gaal added.
In more positive news for the Red Devils, young centre-back Paddy McNair is reportedly getting closer to full fitness after Van Gaal allowed the 20-year-old to return to Northern Ireland for recovery last week.
Antonio Valencia remains sidelined with an ankle problem, while long-term absentee Luke Shaw continues to recover from the broken foot he suffered in United’s first Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven. Meanwhile, Manchester United academy graduate James Wilson missed the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday and remains a doubt for Tuesday.