Knee surgery sidelines United's Jones for two months

Manchester United's Phil Jones (L) and David De Gea react after their English Premier League soccer match against Sunderland in Sunderland, northern England May 13, 2012.

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United defender Phil Jones could be out for up to two months after having a knee operation, the club has said.

Jones, 20, has yet to play this season after hurting his back in pre-season and suffered this latest injury in training this week.

A club spokesperson told The club's website (www.manutd.com): "Phil Jones has had surgery on a knee meniscus tear sustained in training that will require six to eight weeks of rehabilitation."

He is one of a number of sidelined United players including Wayne Rooney (gashed leg); Ashley Young (knee); Chris Smalling (foot)and Darren Fletcher who has a bowel illness.

Jones, whose last competitive appearance for United was on the last day of last season, went for a scan on his right knee which has confirmed he needs rest and rehabilitation through to early November at least.

(Reporting by Mike Collett)