Derby County boss Phillip Cocu told RamsTV how George Evans has returned to full fitness and is an option to start at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Evans hasn’t featured for Derby since mid-December.
The holding midfielder picked up a long-term injury in the defeat at home to Millwall. He has subsequently missed the previous 16 games in all competitions.
But Cocu now provides a positive update and claims Evans is fit to play.
He’s now available. He was out for some time. I spoke with him in the beginning of the week so he could play 90 minutes for the U23s. They won so it was a positive feeling for him. He was happy he played and he felt better. He’s an option [at Sheffield Wednesday], I wouldn’t take him in the 18 if that wasn’t the case. Physically he is fine.
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George Evans will provide more competition for places.
The former Reading man is predominantly a midfielder. In his absence. Max Bird has stepped up while Wayne Rooney’s arrival has strengthened the team.
Graeme Shinnie returned from injury month. The Scot has started the past two encounters alongside Bird with Rooney deployed in a number 10 role.
Evans will add further competition in midfield. Moreover, the 25-year-old can feature at centre-back and may find he has a better chance of regular football at the back.
Derby have struggled with playing the ball out from the back. Evans’ strongest attribute is his passing ability and vision, boasting an 82.8% pass-accuracy rate this season.
Also see: Latest Derby display could give 27-year-old way back into starting eleven
Also see: ‘He’s an example’: Phillip Cocu raves about Derby player in best form for years