Phil Jones will not play for Manchester United this season.
With injuries to centre-half pair Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, it was suggested Jones could come into contention.
However, the former England defender is not registered with United's Premier League nor Europa League squads.
And the Athletic says Jones also suffered an injury relapse to his knee at the beginning of the season.
The issue was said to have caused Jones "serious distress" and has kept him out since.
Indeed, Jones has been unable to take part in a single full-scale training session under manager Erik ten Hag. The defender's current deal expires in June.
