Manchester United defender Jonny Evans won’t be available for Sunday’s game against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has omitted the 36-year-old from his squad for the friendlies against Romania and Scotland later this month.
Asked to explain why Evans wasn’t selected, O’Neill said that the centre-back had “picked up a knock” during the 2-0 win over Everton last weekend.
The defender was substituted with a minute left of normal time against the Toffees but it is now clear that he won’t be available again until after the international break.
Who else will be missing for the match against Liverpool?
Evans joins a long injury list. Lisandro Martinez (knee), Mason Mount (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Anthony Martial (groin) and Omari Forson (knock) won’t be back for the FA Cup tie this weekend either.
Luke Shaw, meanwhile, is set to miss the rest of the season after re-injuring his leg during the 2-1 win over Luton Town last month.
3 United players could return on Sunday
While it appears that manager Erik ten Hag will have, at least, seven first-team players out of contention to face Liverpool, there is optimism about others returning to fitness.
Harry Maguire’s availability could prove even more important now that it is known that Evans is ruled out. Ten Hag has said that he expects to have the England international in his squad for the FA Cup clash.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been making good progress but, after two months on the treatment table, the fullback may only be fit enough for the substitutes bench.
Fans are also sweating over the fitness of Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane has been struggling with a muscular problem but ten Hag says that he hopes that the striker will be one of those who will be ready to play this weekend.
