Manchester United centre-back Jonny Evans has been omitted from the Northern Ireland squad for their games this month to have a period of recovery due to a minor issue he has been nursing, according to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
The Green and White Army face Romania on March 22 before playing Scotland four days later, but the Red Devils star will be missing in action having stayed behind to continue his recuperation at Carrington.
Evans was withdrawn from action in the last two games against Everton and Manchester City, with manager Erik ten Hag managing his playing time after confirming that he picked up a knock in the Manchester derby.
It remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old will be available for selection when Man United face Liverpool at Old Trafford in their FA Cup tie on Sunday, but he is expected to be fully fit when action resumes after the international break.
The decision to have him miss the international games makes sense given the number of games Evans has played this term.
The defender has featured in 24 games across all competitions for the Red Devils this term since rejoining the club as a free agent in the summer, starting 14 of them.
Man United have suffered several injuries this term, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all missing a large chunk of the campaign due to various knocks.
Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane were also unavailable at some points earlier on in the campaign, and having Evans available for the remainder of the campaign is very crucial to the club’s chances of securing Champions League football for next season.
Man United return to action after the break with a trip to Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford on March 30, and Ten Hag will be hoping for more injury boosts after Wan-Bissaka and Mason Mount recently returned to training.
