The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from Stadium of Light. With Covid-19 affecting fixtures once again, Sunderland took the step of recalling three loan players in order to fulfil their weekend fixture at Wycombe Wanderers, despite the Black Cats squad suffering from Covid and injuries. We also have the latest transfer rumours and the weekly news from the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Covid-19 Hits Black Cats Squad
Sunderland Continue to Play as Covid Hits Black Cats
Covid-19 hit the Sunderland squad, robbing Lee Johnson of several first-team players. Johnson had the option to request the cancellation of Saturday’s game at Wycombe Wanderers; however, the Black Cats head coach decided to recall three players from loan so he would have enough players to play the game.
Neutrals would have been pleased the game went ahead as both Sunderland and Wycombe produced an exciting end to end game. Four first-half goals saw the teams go in at halftime tied at 2-2. Ross Stewart’s early header hit the bar and rebounded off the keeper to give Sunderland the lead; however, Wanderers equalised soon after and took the lead before Stewart levelled the scores
The second half continued where the first left off with both teams attacking; however, it was the Black Cats who were creating the more clear-cut chances with midfielder Alex Pritchard instrumental.
It took to the 93rd minute for the next goal, Ross Stewart scored again, and it appeared that Sunderland had secured a vital three points away at a fellow promotion chaser. But as injury time hit 98 minutes, Wycombe scrambled the ball into the net to take a share of the points.
Corry Evans Update
During the Wycombe game, captain Corry Evans collided with his own keeper with both attempting to stop an attack on goal. The midfielder was stretchered off following eight minutes of treatment on the pitch.
Following the game, Lee Johnson gave an update on his captain. He said: “Corry is OK. He was knocked out, so we will have to see how we go now in terms of the concussion protocols.
“But there’s no fractures or anything like that, which is good news. I haven’t seen him yet, but those are reports I’m getting back from the physios. It’s a brave challenge, one he has to make. We think it’s good news there.”
Rotherham’s Want Away Striker Interesting Sunderland
According to a report in the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats are said to be interested in Rotherham striker Freddie Ladapo after he handed in a transfer request.
The 28-year-old has featured regularly for the Millers this season and scored twice against Sunderland earlier in the campaign. Ladapo’s contract expires this summer; however, Rotherham have the option to extend the deal by a further year. With the striker handing in a request to leave the club, United could be tempted should an acceptable amount be submitted.
Will Grigg Could Be Recalled as Covid Hits Black Cats Squad
Lee Johnson could be set to recall striker Will Grigg from his loan spell at fellow promotion chasers Rotherham, according to a report in the Sunderland Echo. As the pandemic hits the squad, Lee Johnson is struggling to field enough players to keep games on. Johnson has already recalled three players and may decide to recall striker Grigg.
At present, due to injuries and Covid, the only recognised striker available is Ross Stewart. Should anything happen to Sunderland’s top scorer, Johnson would have serious problems in attack. Recalling Grigg from Rotherham could help Johnson in the short term and also weaken a fellow promotion chaser.
FA Cup Winners to be Honoured
Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup-winning team are set to be honoured by the City. They will be given the Freedom of the City at Sunderland’s Beacon of Light on Thursday, January 13.
Sunderland made history when as a then-Second Division side, they reached the FA Cup final and defeated Leeds United.
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