Manchester United defender Phil Jones to miss Real Madrid clash through illness

Defender has been struck down by a bout of shingles

Phil Jones After suffering a back injury that ruled him out of pre-season training for the start of this season, Jones then underwent knee surgery earlier this month ruled him out of action for two months. (GETTY IMAGES)

Phil Jones is likely to be ruled out of Manchester United's Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter with Real Madrid next week after being struck down by a bout of shingles.

Jones missed United's Barclays Premier League win at Fulham on Saturday and 24 hours later was withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad for tomorrow night's encounter with Sweden in Walsall.

No reason was given by the Old Trafford outfit for the absences.

However, England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has confirmed Jones is suffering from shingles.

"Jones picked up shingles and there's not a lot we can do about it," said Pearce to several national newspapers.

"It's a shame because it makes us stronger when Phil's here, that's for sure. But it gives someone else a chance."

A similar virus to chicken-pox, shingles is relatively common and the symptoms last for at least a fortnight.

So, depending upon the severity, it is difficult to see Jones recovering in time to make the trip to Madrid for next Wednesday's game.

It would be a blow to Sir Alex Ferguson too as the youngster recently excelled in a central midfield role against Tottenham and United might have been looking for Jones to carry out the same duties again as they look to get a positive result to take back to Old Trafford for the decider on March 5.

PA