Jones, Evans fit to face Real

Phil Jones and Jonny Evans are likely to be available for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The defensive duo were doubts for the game against the Liga giants on Wednesday after being withdrawn during the 2-0 league win over Everton, with Alex Ferguson revealing after the game that the pair would need to be assessed.

“Phil Jones got a kick on the calf and we will have to monitor that,” Ferguson told reporters on Sunday.

“Jonny Evans got a bit of cramp, and I think he’s just lacked a couple of games. He only had 45 minutes for Northern Ireland. He had to travel all the way to Malta for 45 minutes, so we will see what he is like.”

However, it now appears both players are in contention to start at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu after completing a training session on Tuesday.

Ashley Young and Paul Scholes, who were both suffering from minor knee issues, also came through the session unscathed before the squad flew out to Madrid.

The injury news is not as positive for Madrid, however, as influential midfielder Xabi Alonso failed to complete Monday’s training exercises due to complications with the pelvic problem that has sidelined him for a week.

Nevertheless, he is expected to take part on Wednesday.

Defender Pepe is expected to make his first start since December, having recovered from an ankle injury.

Club captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas is out due to a broken thumb and is likely to be replaced by Diego Lopez.