Ched Evans: Preston North End striker to return after neck and spine condition
- Published
Ched Evans made 28 appearances for Preston North End last season and scored nine goals
Preston North End striker Ched Evans has been cleared to return to first-team action, having been out since April with a serious medical condition.
The 34-year-old had surgery on a neck and spine problem in April and missed the end of the 2022-23 season.
Lilywhites boss Ryan Lowe said Evans would be in the matchday squad for Saturday's visit of Millwall.
"I'm absolutely over the moon for him, his family and for us as a football club," Lowe told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"I was a bit emotional when I got the news. I actually rang him and sang his name down the phone.
"It's good for him and the family. They've been through a lot. He's been training like a trojan the past three days, I must say."
The club previously said that Evans' condition may have "potentially life-changing consequences", but he went on to receive positive news about his recovery.
The former Wales international's surgery was a success and despite a setback, he returned to full training and is now ready to boost Preston's attacking ranks.
"The fact of the matter is when you've got someone like Ched Evans available, that is a big plus," Lowe added.
"He saw a couple of surgeons and one said that 'I'm surprised you're sitting in front of me in a chair and not a wheelchair', which was hard for him and his wife.
"To get a second opinion, third opinion and then see a specialist for those types of operations was massive for him, the family and us.
"He had a bit of a setback not long ago, where the bone hadn't grown, but we said 'you're walking and running' which was a big plus, and once we got the news that it had grown a bit more then he could join in full contact."
Is a new mafia getting rich on our waste? Take a deep dive into one of the worst environmental crimes in UK history
Do you know the third instalment in these trilogies? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz
