Manchester United are hopeful Phil Jones will be fit to face Liverpool this weekend despite pulling out of the England squad with injury, sources have told ESPN FC.

Jones played 90 minutes in United's last game against Crystal Palace but was forced out of World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania with a knee problem.

Sources have told ESPN FC he returned to Carrington as a precaution with England only needing one point from their two games to be sure of a place at next summer's tournament in Russia.

Gareth Southgate's team won both games 1-0 thanks to goals from Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Jones also missed United's trip to Russia to face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League before Palace's visit to Old Trafford while Mourinho revealed ahead of September's international break that the defender was carrying an ankle problem.

United's medical staff will assess Jones this week, but there is hope the 25-year-old, who has been in fine form for club and country this season, will be fit enough to line up against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

Phil Jones has proved an important player for Manchester United so far this season. Paul Jenkins/Action Plus via Getty Images

Jose Mourinho is set to be without Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba against Jurgen Klopp's side.

Fellaini arrived back in Manchester on Monday after suffering a knee ligament strain during Belgium's 4-3 win over Bosnia on Saturday.

The Belgian FA expect the midfielder to miss around two weeks but United are set to carry out their own examinations at Carrington on Tuesday.

Mourinho has revealed Pogba is being categorised as a "long-term" absentee as he recovers from a hamstring injury he picked up against Basel on Sept. 12.

Michael Carrick is also a doubt to face Liverpool after missing United's last two games through injury.

The 36-year-old has started just once for United this season, in the 4-1 win over Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup.