Ipswich Town: Lee Evans thanks fans for messages of support after knee surgery as Wales pair Nathan Broadhead and Wes Burns called up for international duty

Ipswich Town’s Lee Evans has thanked fans for their messages of support after discovering his knee injury required surgery.

The Tractor Boys midfielder underwent surgery yesterday to repair an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury which he suffered at Huddersfield on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Welshman said on social media: “The highs and lows of football. From leading out the team against Premier League opponents this time last week and captaining the team on Saturday in the league, to surgery this week.

“I've tried so hard to play through pain, with the issues I’ve had over the last couple of seasons, and avoid surgery so I can be back available for the club as soon as possible, whenever they needed me, it was always my priority.

“However, the time has come to have the surgery which will fix all the issues I've been having and get me back to playing my best football again. Thank you to everyone for your messages of support, they mean a lot. Let's get it.”

Evans came off in the 65th minute for Jack Taylor last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield and was not involved in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Hull.

Manager Kieran McKenna said: “Very disappointed for him and for the football club.

“A great player and person, but at the same time, having spoken to him, I think hopefully now he can resolve the couple of issues he’s had with that knee.

“The surgical repair will leave him out for quite a while but all being well, should hopefully give him a knee in really, really good condition which will give him a chance to have a good run at his career again, because he’s been really unlucky with it.

“We’re disappointed with that for us and for Lee, but I’m sure he’ll throw himself into the recovery and come back strongly again.”

Blues pair Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead have been named in the Wales squad for their games during the October international break.

The Welsh take on Gibraltar in a friendly on Wednesday, October 11, then Croatia in a Euro 2024 qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, October 15.

Both Town players have previously won five caps and Broadhead scored his first international goal, on his debut to claim a 1-1 draw away against Croatia after coming on as a sub.

Town duo Cameron Burgess and Massimo Luongo have also been named in the Australia squad for their friendlies against England and New Zealand during the international break.

The Socceroos face the Three Lions at Wembley on Friday, October 13, then the All Whites at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium four days later.