Man Utd in crisis as new update means EIGHT defenders could miss Arsenal clash

Jones was United’s only fit centre-back for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Southampton and was partnered by midfielder Nemanja Matic in the heart of defence.

However, he is now having a scan after picking up a knock at St Mary’s and is a major doubt for their game against in-form Arsenal at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Luke Shaw was also forced off against his former club because of injury, while Ashley Young will be suspended against the Gunners.

Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are also doubtful, although manager Jose Mourinho has suggested they might be rushed back.

Victor Lindelof is not expected back until after Christmas, while Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian were also absent on Saturday, meaning Mourinho has concerns over a whopping EIGHT of his backline.

Mourinho could now be forced to bring in summer signing Diogo Dalot against Arsenal for his first start in the Premier League and Marcos Rojo is also back in contention but is lacking match fitness.

But Mourinho also has problems at the top end of the pitch, with Alexis Sanchez ruled out until the new year with a torn hamstring suffered in training.

Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford also limped off against Southampton.

Rashford grabbed two assists against Saints and Mourinho has said he is hopeful the England star will be fit.

The under-fire boss is desperate for results and knows the game against the Gunners takes on significant importance due to their rivals’ incredible run of form.

Unai Emery’s side are 18 games unbeaten in all competitions after their stunning 4-2 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.

They leapfrogged Spurs to go fourth in the Premier League table and are now eight points clear of seventh-placed United.

Mourinho has set his side the target of getting into the Champions League places before the end of the current year, so Wednesday’s game is must-win if they are to achieve that.

However, they have won only one of their last four games on all competitions – a 1-0 victory over Young Boys in the Champions League.

And they have not beaten anybody in the current top five this season, with defeats to Tottenham and Manchester City, and a draw against Chelsea.