Several Sunderland players have been away from Wearside representing their countries. Unfortunately for the Black Cats, the international break has seen their injury list grow with one player being ruled out for the rest of the season and another who won’t be expected back until after Easter.
Sunderland’s injury list now has eight first-team players on it with the majority long-term absentees and not expected back this season.
Two More Added to Sunderland’s Injury List Following Internationals
Dan Ballard
Central defender Dan Ballard who signed from Arsenal last summer and has been impressive in his first season at the Stadium of Light will miss the next two to three weeks after he suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Northern Ireland during their defeat in Finland.
It leaves Tony Mowbray with just one fit central defender for the trip to league leaders Burnley on Friday and also the easter fixtures. However, Mowbray does have the versatile Luke O’Nien who has played in central defence many times.
Joe Anderson, who signed from Everton in January could also be in contention although he has only featured once so far for the first team coming on as an 85th-minute substitute against Millwall. Fullback Dennis Cirkin can also play in the centre if required when fit.
Jewison Bennette
Costa Rica winger Jewison Bennette will miss the rest of the season after dislocating his shoulder. The 18-year-old flying winger was injured in training ahead of Costa Rica’s game against Panama.
Speaking to safc.com, head coach Tony Mowbray gave an update on Bennette’s injury. He said: Jewi has dislocated his shoulder. I think he is finished for the season. It probably needs an operation and pinning.
“With dislocations, you can think you are alright the first time you fall over. Then you do it again and it’s another three months out. We’ll assess it once he gets back in the building but from their medical department, the update is he has dislocated his shoulder in training”
The first team players currently on Sunderland’s injury list are defenders Dan Ballard Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins. Midfielders Corry Evans, Jewison Bennette, Elliot Embleton, and striker Ross Stewart.
Tony Mowbray will be hoping that the rest of those who represented their country return fit and ready for the final eight games of the season.
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