The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats had two games in the past week; however, many will be disappointed by the points return.
Tony Mowbray welcomed back two key players to his squad this past week; however, he also lost two, one to a serious injury. Elsewhere, with the January transfer window fast approaching, we have the latest news on who could be arriving through the gates at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Injury News, Transfer Rumours and a Disappointing Points Return
Two games, Just One Point
Sunderland will be disappointed with their points return from their two games last week. At home to West Bromwich Albion, the Black Cats dominated for most of the first half and deservedly led at halftime thanks to an Amad Diallo penalty. However, this was a typical game of two halves. Albion were the better side in the second half and two goals in the last 20 minutes denied Sunderland a third win in a row.
Tony Mowbray’s men travelled to Hull City on Saturday with both positives and negatives taken away at the end. Sunderland finished the game with 10 men following a red card for Elliot Embleton. It was a challenge that saw the midfielder suffer the most as the injury sustained will keep him out of action for some time. Defender Danny Batth, Sunderland’s most consistent performer so far this season also went off injured; however, he is likely to return long before Embleton.
Despite playing the final 31 minutes with ten men, Sunderland came away with a point. Striker Ross Stewart making his return since sustaining an injury in the warm-up at Middlesbrough in early September came on as a substitute in the second half and made a goalscoring return. A calm finish with the Hull keeper rushing towards him put the Black Cats in front. They couldn’t keep the lead but will take the point.
Injury News: Ross Stewart and Dan Ballard Return
Sunderland fans were delighted to see star striker Ross Stewart return to the matchday squad following his long layoff through injury. Following his goalscoring return to spoke to Sunderland’s official website safc.com:
Equally good news was the return of defender Dan Ballard. Like Stewart, Ballard had been missing for some time and was called into action sooner than expected against Hull when Danny Batth was injured early in the game. Speaking after his encouraging return, Ballard said: “I didn’t expect to be thrown back out there that quickly,” Ballard added. “It’s unfortunate that Danny picked up an injury but I had to be ready.
“I was a bit nervous having to get stripped that quickly and having to get back on the pitch but once I was out there I was straight back to it and loved every minute. There’s no better way to get that rustiness out than just to be thrown in the deep end and I think that will only help me. I’m almost certain that won’t happen again now.
“It was a tough game and I’m just glad I could help the team get a point on the road.”
Injury News: Sunderland Issue Statement on Elliot Embleton Injury. Danny Batth Also Injured at Hull Plus Why Alex Pritchard Missed Game
Sunderland’s official website safc.com today issued a statement on Elliot Embleton’s injury. It reads:
Sunderland AFC can confirm that Elliot Embleton will undergo surgery this week on an ankle injury picked up during Saturday’s draw at Hull City.
The midfielder has suffered an ankle fracture and significant ligament damage, and will face an extended spell on the sidelines.
We’re with you every step of the way, Embo!
Danny Batth was also injured at Hull; however, although it is not believed to be serious he is likely to be missing for the rest of the festive period. The defender was substituted on 14 minutes with a calf injury and replaced by the returning Dan Ballard.
Midfielder Alex Pritchard missed the trip to Hull with a minor calf strain and could be back in contention for the Boxing Day game at home to Blackburn Rovers.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Lincoln City and Hibernian Defenders Linked
Sunderland have been linked with two defenders this past week. It’s an area of the field where Tony Mowbray will be looking to strengthen due to several injuries sustained by his defenders this season. James Copley of the Sunderland Echo is reporting that the Black Cats are one of several Championship clubs interested in Hibernian and Scotland centre-back Ryan Porteous.
The 23-year-old is out of contract next summer and will be free to hold pre-contract talks with interested parties in January. However, Hibs could let Porteous leave next month if a fee could be agreed upon.
Sunderland have also been credited with an interest in Lincoln City defender Regan Poole according to Richard Mennear of the Sunderland Echo. The 24-year-old is a former Wales U21 international. Beginning his career at Newport County, he joined Manchester United in 2015 before making the move to MK Dons and then Lincoln in 2021 where he would go on to win the Player and Players Player of the Season at the end-of-season awards.
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