Injured Evans hopes to be rested
September 10, 2012 09:44:05 UK
Manchester United will make an appeal for Northern Ireland not to risk defender Jonny Evans for their World Cup qualifier with Luxembourg on Tuesday night.
The United camp is concerned that the central defender may have suffered a reaction to his recent ankle operation, having felt the injury during last week's qualifier against Russia in Moscow.
I always expected I would feel a little pain - just not that early.
Jonny Evans
Northern Ireland are 5.00 to beat Luxembourg 2-0 and 9.50 to edge to a 2-1 victory at Windsor Park. A goalless draw is available at 10.00.
United have been trying to contact the player and Northern Ireland medical staff to assess the true extent of the problem, and would prefer to see boss Michael O'Neill sideline the 25-year-old for the Belfast fixture.
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
Evans admits: "I felt my ankle after about five minutes. It was the same one I had surgery on during the summer but I got a heavier strap put on it and I was able to carry on for the second half.
"I always expected I would feel a little pain - just not that early. After a couple of pain-killers I did feel better."
United are currently reeling from the news defender Phil Jones will be out for the next two months after a knee operation and boss Sir Alex Ferguson is concerned another complication for Evans will leave his rearguard with even less cover.
View all Soccer betting