Phil Jones
Phil Jones (left) featured against Norwich in the Premier League in January but was injured against their Under-21s on Monday. Getty

Manchester United will be without Phil Jones, Adnan Januzaj and Guillermo Varela for Saturday's (13 February) trip to Sunderland after the trio picked up knocks playing for the club's Under-21 side.

All three players started in United's 7-0 thrashing of Norwich City Under-21s on Monday 8 February, with Varela and Januzaj both leaving the pitch before half-time. Under-21 boss Warren Joyce suggested both injuries were minor, but neither player will be available for the visit to the Stadium of Light.

Jones, who has been plagued by injury all season, made his comeback from a previous ankle injury in that game, but has since suffered another setback. "It's not looking good because I also let my players play in the second team and various players were injured again," the manager told MUTV. "They're not very nasty injuries but I still have to give them time to recover. "It is a big pity because Jones is a very good central defender and we are missing him, and also Marcos Rojo for a long time already."

Bastian Schweinsteiger meanwhile has not played since suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup third round draw with Sheffield United in January. The Germany international has been given a "little holiday" by his manager Louis van Gaal for a chance to recharge his batteries before returning.

Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo, neither of whom have played a game this year, are also closing in on returns. Luke Shaw meanwhile also remains a long-term absentee.

Van Gaal said: "I cannot say Bastian is returning within two weeks because I have given him a little holiday as he has to change his mindset also. It's good for players. I have done that also with Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw, for example, when you are injured for longer than normal.

"The light at the end of the tunnel is more for Rojo and for Valencia. They are coming back and I hope it's as soon as possible."