Why Jonny Evans has been left out of squad and his injury status explained

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has been left out of the Northern Ireland squad ahead of their upcoming clashes with Romania and Scotland.

The centre-back, who rejoined United on a free transfer last summer, has not been included in boss Michael O'Neill's plans for the friendly double-header. The former Stoke City boss has named a 26-man squad, but he has not found a place for Evans despite his recent increase in minutes.

The defender has started each of United's last two Premier League matches and earned a standing ovation when he was substituted in the latter stages of last Sunday's 2-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford. As a result of injuries elsewhere in the squad, he has now made 18 Premier League appearances this season.

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Signed to provide nothing but cover as United's fifth-choice centre-back, the Northern Irishman has now made 24 appearances in all competitions since returning to the club, meaning his absence from the latest international squad selection is somewhat surprising given his experience. He has earned north of 100 senior caps for his country.

Despite a report from the Belfast Telegraph suggesting Evans has been left out of the squad as a result of sustaining a 'knock' in United's win over Everton, the Irish Football Association has not stated a specific reason for him being overlooked. In the statement they have released confirming O'Neill's squad selection, they have not included him within the section that has listed some of the names who are missing out because of an injury.

Evans last played for his country in October, starting Northern