Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has been left out of Northern Ireland’s squad for their March internationals against Romania and Scotland.
The 36-year-old was substituted off in each of United’s most recent two Premier League games against Manchester City and Everton.
Evans has been nursing a minor injury since United’s defeat in the Manchester derby, with Erik ten Hag managing his playing time.
Although not necessarily ruled out of Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Liverpool, Evans will miss Northern Ireland’s upcoming fixtures to recover fully over the international break.
The central defender is Northern Ireland’s fourth most-capped player of all-time having made 106 appearances for his country since his 2006 debut.
Evans has featured in 24 matches this season for United, whom he rejoined as a free agent last summer after his contract at Leicester City expired.
The central defender has started 12 Premier League matches for United this term, including the recent games against City and Everton — in which he was substituted off in the second half in each.
He has had prominence in Erik ten Hag’s selection this campaign due to a myriad of defensive issues.
Lisandro Martinez has missed most of the season through injury, while Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane have also suffered fitness setbacks during the campaign.
Further injuries to full-backs Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also seen Victor Lindelof deputise at left-back, while youngster Willy Kambwala made his senior debut this campaign.
United return to action after the international break with a trip to Brentford in the Premier League on March 30.
(Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
