Would Missing Rio Be A 'Big Loss'?

We are waiting to learn whether Rio Ferdinand will be missing for our second leg Champions League match against Inter Milan. After going over on his ankle at the weekend against Fulham, he is now a doubt for what could prove to be one of our defining matches of the season.

Jonny Evans, who has also suffered from injuries of late, is ready to fill in for him, which is encouraging, however Park Ji-Sung is concerned over what a big loss Rio’s absence would be.

“I don’t know if it is a big problem and I hope it isn’t,” said Park. “It would be a big loss for us if he missed the game, although Jonny has done very well for us this season and he can replace Rio and do well again. He gained experience from the match in the San Siro against them and I hope he can do okay.”

Whilst of course I wouldn’t be happy if Rio was missing, I think there are players who I would worry about more. This isn’t a reflection on Rio, who has had a brilliant season and plays an incrediby important role at our club, but more of my high opinion of Jonny Evans. I think for pretty much every position these days we have a brilliant replacement in the case of injury, however Evans is a player I’m really excited about and I like him being given the opportunity to prove himself, as he already has done against Inter and Chelsea this season.