Smalling, Jones poised for United returns

Sir Alex Ferguson said defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones could be back next week.

The Manchester United manager said Jones is in the mix for the Champions League trip to Braga on November 7.

Goal.com exclusively revealed on October 23 that Smalling was closing in on a return to action after being sidelined with a broken metatarsal picked up in the summer.

Like Smalling, ex-Blackburn Rovers man Jones has yet to play for the club this season after back and knee injuries.

“We will try to push Chris on quickly,” Ferguson told reporters.

“I don’t think he will make Wednesday’s game (against Chelsea) but I am sure he will be ready for the following week.

“There was some hope both he and Phil would be back for this busy schedule.

“Phil will be starting football training next Monday. He still has some running to do. The good news is they are not far away.”

Club captain Nemanja Vidic remains on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery and while he is expected back in December, Goal.com exclusively revealed the club are unwilling to pinpoint a specific return date.