Preston forward Ched Evans to undergo surgery for ‘serious medical condition’

The Preston striker Ched Evans requires surgery for a “serious medical condition” and will be sidelined for the foreseeable future, the club have announced.

The Championship club added that the former Wales international is facing “potentially life-changing consequences as a result of repeated high-force contact” during his career, but both player and club are optimistic of an eventual return to playing.

“Preston North End can confirm striker Ched Evans will be unavailable for an extended period after developing a serious medical condition,” a club statement read.

“The 34-year-old forward is facing potentially life-changing consequences as a result of repeated high-force contact which he has received on a weekly basis throughout his career,” the statement added.

“More common in American football and rugby players, the condition requires surgery to address his current symptoms and to prevent any further damage from occurring in the future.

“Specific timeframes for a potential return will not be disclosed until the outcome of the surgery is known, but all parties remain hopeful that Ched will be back playing and scoring goals in a Preston North End shirt in the future.”

The Preston manager, Ryan Lowe, said: “We’ll be there for him every single day. Whatever he needs, we’ll be there for him and the family. It’s been tough for me, the staff and the players, because it’s a bit sickening when you get that news in the blink of an eye.

“More importantly for me as the manager, it’s about Ched’s health,” Lowe added. “He’ll have to decide what he wants to do with his future and, whatever he chooses to do, we’ll back 100%.”

Evans, who has scored nine goals in 26 Championship games this season, last featured for North End in March’s