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Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Phil Jones for being 'diligent and professional' as the defender aims to make his first appearance in 19 months against West Ham.
The 29-year-old has not played for the Red Devils since scoring in a 6-0 FA Cup win over Tranmere Rovers in January 2020 due to a long-term meniscal problem in his knee.
Jones returned to action this season, featuring in some behind closed doors friendlies and playing with the club's reserves again this month.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) confirmed that Phil Jones (right) will be in the squad on Wednesday
But he is now set to make his long-awaited competitive return to the first team when United host the Hammers in the third round of the FA Cup.
Solskjaer expressed his delight on the defender's recovery and praised his professionalism as he continues his journey back to full fitness.
'I'm so happy for Phil. He has completed two 90 minutes for the Under-23s and played some minutes behind closed doors and he's got no reaction on his knee,' the Red Devils boss told the club's official website.
'He's been working really hard. I've been part of that myself and had the best part of three years or at least more than two out of three years and I know what challenges he's been through, mentally.
The defender's last appearance came in January 2020 against Tranmere Rovers in