England Under 21 international Duncan Watmore was unfortunately injured last week. The injury, which occurred during his side’s 2-1 victory over reigning Premier League champions Leicester City, will keep the talented youngster out for the rest of the season. Manager David Moyes now has a decision to make. Who will come in to replace the winger? Has a player made their case to be in the first team of late? Who is ready to take this chance and profit for this unfortunate injury? Here are four players who will be looking to get a run of games, and help the Black Cats’ Premier League battle.
Who can Profit at Sunderland From Duncan Watmore’s Injury?
Wahbi Khazri
Having featured heavily and starred in Sunderland‘s relegation escape last season, He has featured little since Moyes took over. Reports that he returned to pre season overweight will have done little to endear him to his new manager. In his appearances so far he hasn’t showed the form that made him a crowd favourite at the end of last season. He is without a doubt a talented player, but can he fit into Moyes’s system and take his chance to prove to his manager that he has a future on Wearside?
Adnan Januzaj
A player David Moyes knows well. He managed the young Belgian at Manchester United and gave him his debut. It was under Moyes at United that Januzaj produced his best form with many expecting big things from him. Under Louis van Gaal, Januzaj’s form dipped and when Jose Mourinho took charge at United, it seemed obvious that Januzaj would be departing. Moyes pounced to bring him in on loan with the hope he could get the best out of him again. However, an ankle injury, a suspension and the form of others has stalled his progress again. Moyes is obviously a fan and can see the potential in the forward. This may now be his time to shine.
Fabio Borini
The Italian forward has been out himself through injury since the early part of the season. He is however back in training and beginning to get his sharpness back. He is a player with an eye for goal and will always give 100%, something which has endeared him to the Sunderland faithful. Unfortunately for him the next few games may have come just too soon. However, a place on the bench is likely. Once he is match fit, expect him to be pushing for a first team place. With the amount of injuries the Black Cats have had this season, it can only be a good thing.
Seb Larsson
Like Borini, the Swedish international has recently returned from injury, although he is ahead of the Italian in fitness. A place on the right hand side may not be his favoured position, but he can certainly play there. He has the ability to provide good service from open play and at set pieces. He may not possess the energy that Watmore has, but he may provide better cover for the fullback when the team are defending than others would.
This will be a difficult decision for Moyes. Watmore has been in good form this season and while he still has a lot to learn his energy, passion and determination does not go unnoticed on and off the pitch. Sunderland do have options and they must get it right; however, the options available are players not fully match fit due to being out of the side or they are just returning from injury. The Black Cats have been in good form of late and although they have tough games over the Christmas period, there are games where points are there for the taking, starting at Swansea City this weekend.
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