WANDERERS are seeking a second opinion on the head injury sustained by Eoin Toal on international duty with Northern Ireland.
The centre-back reported some dizziness during last weekend’s 0-0 draw against Belarus but was passed fit by the national team medics to start the following match at home to Bulgaria.
Toal was substituted in the first half, shortly after conceding a penalty, and reports in the Northern Irish press claimed the defender was taken to hospital for concussion checks.
Evatt said the 25-year-old was cleared of concussion at the time but Wanderers are now checking to see whether he could yet be named in the team to face Burton Albion.
“We are still trying to get to the bottom of what happened, there is an investigation taking place,” the manager said. “We are not sure exactly what it is being labelled at the Northern Ireland side and that means we have to do our own tests. With head injuries it is something we need to take very seriously but we’re part of that process now – whether it’s Saturday or he is facing full concussion protocol, I can’t really give an answer right now.
“It is an unusual set of circumstances. On Saturday it was a strange sensation he felt, almost a bit dizzy, but he passed all the scans and tests and then went again on the Tuesday, where something similar happened.
“There were concerns but I will say he went to hospital afterwards, the scans were all clear, so it may not be concussion, it could be something different, his neck for example, so we are letting the medical staff do the investigation and see where it takes us.”
Wanderers have brought Gethin Jones and Will Forrester back into the main training group, although both players were described as “some way off” full fitness by Evatt at his pre-match press conference.
Goalkeeper Nathan Baxter has made progress after a muscular injury sustained during the 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town before the international break.
“He is improving and back out on the grass tomorrow (Friday),” Evatt added. “We are looking forward to seeing how he is, it seems he has recovered really well and he is very positive about it.”
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