And it is the center of our defense that has been hit once more. Chris Smalling has had surgery after suffering a metatarsal injury. The England defender will be out for 10 weeks. Last season, both he and Nemanja Vidic were both hit with injuries, causing our center back partnerships to reshuffle.
With Jonny Evans looking likely to miss the very start of the season it puts pressure on Nemanja Vidic to make sure he is fit and sharp enough to partner Rio Ferdinand at the back. An injury to either one of these two would be disasterous. Phil Jones would have to partner either one at the back if this was to happen, however then we will have to bank on Rafael returning from Olympic duty without problems to cover at right back.
Scott Wooton, who has started both games on the clubs Pre Season tour to South Africa, best bring his boots to Goodison Park in August. With our luck with injuries, expect a virus to wipe out are entire defense at some point in the season!