Phil Jones has returned to full training to hand David Moyes a much-needed boost following the defensive vulnerabilities exposed in Manchester United's Champions League defeat to Olympiakos.

Jones, who had been out since suffering concussion at Stoke City on 1 February and has had a hip injury, will be available for United's next match, the trip to West Bromwich Albion a week on Saturday. His recovery, though, did not come in time to be considered for Roy Hodgson's England squad for next week's friendly with Denmark.

In Tuesday evening's shock 2-0 defeat in Athens, Moyes selected Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand at centre-back. In light of their age – both are in their thirties – and lack of pace United defended deep but found themselves ran at and swamped in midfield, where Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley struggled to offer protection.

Jones's preferred position is central defence but the 22-year-old has also excelled this season in a holding role, so his return for the West Brom game should allow Moyes to stiffen up his side. United, without a game this weekend due to Manchester City's involvement in the Capital One Cup final, are 11 points off fourth place and the last Champions League berth.