Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Jonny Evans out of the clash against Tottenham on Sunday.
Jonny had picked up a hamstring injury against the Hammers at Upton Park and it is too early for him to return according to the boss. However, the rest of the squad will be available when the Red Devils travel to White Hart Lane.
Several players were tested on Wednesday against West Ham in the FA Cup third round replay and the squad available is fully fit.
“We’ve got a strong squad. Jonny Evans still isn’t available,” Sir Alex explained at his Friday Press Conference. “He’s not 100 per cent. Other than that, we’re not too bad. We got a lot of players a game on Wednesday and I thought they did well. It was a good performance.”
However, Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for the rest of the season and when he returns, Sir Alex expects him to play as a holding midfielder.
He underwent a surgery as a process of the treatment of his ulcerative colitis and will not be able to play again this season. However, Boss wants him to return and revive his career.
“This improves Darren’s prospects of returning [to top form],” explained Sir Alex.
“He had to change his game and he hasn’t been the Darren Fletcher of three or four years ago in the games this season. Instead, he was sitting in front of the back four and he did well. That could be his role in the future. When he comes back, and I hope he does, it will be in a different role.”
Though the surgery was preplanned but Fergie believes it is a blow to A player of Darren Fletcher’s caliber.
“It was something we thought would happen anyway,” Sir Alex added. “He tried his best to cope with the condition with the treatments he was using but, in the last couple of weeks, it’s come back. This operation will hopefully solve the situation and we expect him to be back in July. It’s a blow for the boy but given he’s been dealing with the condition for a few years, it’s just another step for him.
“He has fantastic character, he’s a brilliant boy. He’ll do his best, no doubt about that. He always does.”
Compiled by Rida Mehtab (@RidaaMehtaab on Twitter)
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