Jonny Evans has picked up an injury with the Manchester United defender left out of the Northern Ireland squad for the March international break.
Already one of Erik ten Hag’s stand-out performers at the age of 36, the veteran defender’s impressive recent displays look all the more inspiring when you consider that Jonny Evans appears to have been playing through the pain of late.
Evans is not part of the Northern Ireland squad for this month’s friendlies with Romania and Scotland.
And manager Michael O’Neill has now revealed that the former West Brom and Leicester City stopper will be permitted to take a short ‘break’ after featuring far more than anyone expected due to Manchester United’s lack of alternatives at the back.
Jonny Evans one of Manchester United’s success stories
“Jonny has an ongoing calf problem and a thigh injury. Despite carrying injuries he’s played a lot this season because Manchester United have needed,” O’Neill tells the Belfast Telegraph.
“I spoke with him, and he felt that how he does for Manchester United in the next few months is going to be very important for his career going forward. So it made sense for him to enjoy a break.
“That fine for us, because this team needs to get used to playing without Jonny and without (the recently-retired Rangers legend) Steven Davis. We have to adapt to that, but I’m hopeful Jonny will play on next season.
“Hopefully for Manchester United, and hopefully for us.”
Defender will be given a rest
Evans, brought in initially on a short-term deal when his Leicester contract expired, has played 24 games for Man United this season. 18 of those appearances have come in the Premier League, Evans excelling during last week’s Alejandro Garnacho-inspired 2-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.
Of course, a 36-year-old centre-half featuring week-in, week-out is far from ideal. But with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw all struggling with fitness issues in recent months, Evans’ experience and consistency has come in very handy.
On a more positive note, United should have top scorer Rasmus Hojlund back for the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool on Sunday. Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have returned to training too, while Martinez could make his long-awaited comeback against Brentford on March 30th.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/CmSBHyl