Northern Ireland suffered a major setback today with the news that key defender Jonny Evans is ruled out of next month’s World Cup qualifiers with Lithuania and Switzerland.
The Leicester City centre back was tentatively named in Ian Baraclough’s 25-man panel for the double header on September 2 and 8 earlier this week.
But Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Friday that Evans, who hasn’t featured this season because of a foot injury, has been withdrawn from the squad.
The 33-year-old last played for the Premier League club in a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May.
Asked if he had been surprised by Evans’ international call up, Rodgers said: “Yes and no. I spoke to Ian last week and Jonny was in the squad in the scenario that he made a miraculous recovery.
“But the reality is that he won’t be fit, so he won’t travel. We want him back in training over the international break. He will stay at home.”
Baraclough admitted on Tuesday that Evans was a major doubt for the trip to face Lithuania on September 2 and the home clash with Switzerland on September 8.
Northern Ireland also face an away friendly with Estonia on September 5.
Losing the 91-times capped Evans is a major blow for Baraclough who is chasing his first points in World Cup qualifying Group C.
Northern Ireland have one point from their opening two pool games following a 2-0 defeat in Italy and 0-0 draw with Bulgaria at Windsor Park in March.
