CHED EVANS’ football career is under threat after being diagnosed with a serious medical condition.
The Preston forward requires surgery to fix the issue, which carries “life-changing consequences”.
The issue has arisen as a result of “repeated high force contact”, and is more commonly seen in rugby or American football players.
Evans is set to be out for an extended period of time following the surgery, and at 34 he does not have much time to make his return to the game.
Preston confirmed the news in a statement which reads: “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.
“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.
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“Over the course of the past week, the club have consulted with the country’s leading specialists and are currently working together to finalise arrangements for the surgery.
“Pending a successful surgery, the striker – who has scored nine goals this season – will spend an extended period of time doing rehabilitation work.
“Specific time frames 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 PNE shirt in the future.”
Evans is Preston’s top scorer this season with nine goals in 26 Championship games.
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He has been an important player for manager Ryan Lowe, who is hopeful Evans will be able to return to playing.
He 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. We’ve got to step back and let him decide what he wants to do.
“He’s got a strong family behind him who will make sure he’s right. Once he’s had the surgery we’ll hopefully see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel because having the surgery doesn’t mean that’s him done.
“He’ll have to decide what he wants to do with his future and whatever he chooses to do we’ll back 100 per cent.”
Evans previously had a lengthy spell out of football in 2014 as he was convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman before a 2016 retrial found him not guilty.
The striker spent two-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted for the rape, and returned to the game with Chesterfield following his release.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
