Sunderland injury news and projected return dates ahead of the Watford match – gallery
Sunderland got back to winning ways against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night, and they’ll be hoping to keep the momentum going when Watford comes to the Stadium of Light this week.
Sunderland’s injury list remains rather large, but with late-summer additions beginning to settle in, Tony Mowbray’s choices are expanding.
So, what’s the latest on the injury front, who could return on Wednesday, and who is set to miss further time? Here we go through everything you need to know…
1. PIERRE EKWAH
Ekwah suffered a dead leg in the build up the QPR win, which was exacerbated when took a knock in the same area during the opening minutes of that game. The midfielder has been recovering from a hematoma as a result and it has essentially restricted him from moving as freely as he needs to play at anything like his best. Sunderland have been waiting for it to settle and Mowbray said on Friday that they are essentially just taking it day by day with the Frenchman. That raises hope that he will play on Wednesday, though Mowbray said he was not sure either way at the end of last week. It would be a surprise if he did not feature at some stage this week, and Mowbray would relish the chance to freshen up his midfield during a punishing schedule. Either way, there’s no major issue and he will be back soon. Potential return date: Watford (H) October 4th Photo: Frank Reid
1.jpg Pnefc Safc Dack
Dack has a slight hamstring injury, but Mowbray says the club is resolved not to take any chances, well aware of the possibilities of a recurrence that might keep him out for much longer. Sunderland believe they can afford to be patient with Dack, with Alex Pritchard performing well and Adil Aouchiche shining off the bench, so don’t expect him to be hurried back into the starting XI anytime soon. He could return to the squad this week, either on Wednesday night or this Saturday against Middlesbrough. Watford (H) on October 4th as a possible return date Photographer: FRANK REID
BENNETTE, JEWISON
Bennette suffered with illness in the aftermath of the Cardiff City defeat, but returned to training last week and played in Sunderland U21s’ 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa on Friday night. That means the winger is now available for selection, but he appears to be a little further down the pecking order following the arrivals of Nazariy Rusyn and Adil Aouchiche, and his struggle will be heightened when Bradley Dack returns. The 4th of October is a possible return date for Watford (H). Photographer: Frank Reid
CIRKIN, DENNIS
Cirkin injured his hamstring during the last international break, and while there is no specific comeback date, Mowbray said he expects him to miss a few weeks and that he is not back in training at this time. At this point, a comeback before the international break is quite doubtful, especially given that Niall Huggins has settled into the role nicely and is improving by the game. This is likely to persuade Sunderland to give Cirkin a fortnight to come up to speed. Stoke City (A) on October 21st is a possible return date. Photographer: Frank Reid
