Rodgers Provides Evans Fitness Update

First Team
29 Nov 2019
2 Minutes
Centre-back Jonny Evans is 'fit and ready' to feature in Leicester City's Premier League clash with Everton at King Power Stadium on Sunday, says manager Brendan Rodgers.

- Jonny Evans is available for Sunday's fixture against Everton, says Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers
- The Foxes centre-back was replaced by Wes Morgan just after the hour-mark at Brighton last weekend
- Rodgers also explained why he considered the Northern Irishman to be a 'top-class centre-half'
- Live coverage of Sunday's clash with the Toffees starts at 1:30pm GMT on LCFC Radio

The 31-year-old was substituted in the 62nd minute of Saturday's 2-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion with cramp, but is likely to be involved this weekend.

Second-placed City welcome the Toffees to King Power Stadium following six wins in all competitions and with the best defensive record in the division after 13 matches.

Speaking to the national media on Friday, Rodgers reiterated his post-match comments at AMEX Stadium, while also revealing Evans has been in training at Belvoir Drive. 

"He has trained," the Foxes manager said. "He had one day free because his wife, Helen, gave birth to a baby boy so he’s had an eventful few weeks!

"He’s fine. It’s a combination of being away with the international team. He’s been training for a few days so he’s fit and ready for the weekend."

Elaborating further, Rodgers spoke of the respect he has for City's No.6, revealing that he had monitored the Northern Ireland international before joining the Club in February. 

"I’ve known Jonny since he was a young player in Northern Ireland and I’ve seen his progression at Manchester United," the 46-year-old added.

"He’s the brain in how he organises Çağs (Çağlar Söyüncü) and the back four. He’s played at the very highest level.

We defend as a team and when he keep clean sheets, it starts at the very front, but Jonny gives us real quality and class.

Brendan Rodgers

"He’s played for a massive club (Manchester United), so he understands the pressures of playing and how to win.

"He’s brilliant, first and foremost at defending and positioning, and he’s really helped Çağs, like he did [with] Harry [Maguire].

"He can pass the ball and he can play football, so that’s what makes for me a top-class centre-half.

"We defend as a team and when he keep clean sheets, it starts at the very front, but Jonny gives us real quality and class."