Total Breakdown: Mike Dodds broke down in tears when he broke the awful news about this important player and provided a heartbreaking update.
When Swansea City visits the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon, Mike Dodds will take over for the first time in his second stint as interim manager this season.
Before the game, here’s the most recent information about the team and injuries…
Dan Ballard
Ballard received his tenth yellow card of the season in Birmingham, and as a result, he will be suspended for the next two games. It would be shocking if Mike Dodds did not follow Michael Beale’s lead and call up Jenson Seelt to the team to give him a shot at his preferred position.
Given that the Black Cats have played 33 games and the deadline for receiving 10 yellow cards is at 37, Sunderland faces more suspension problems. Luke O’Nien is now on nine, one game away from a two-game suspension. Abdoullah Ba and Trai Hume, with eight and seven respectively, are the other two issues.
Date of return: March 5th, Leicester City (H)
JASON CLARKE
After taking a blow to his achilles against Huddersfield, Clarke was uncomfortable for a large portion of Birmingham City’s loss. Beale felt somewhat relieved that Clarke was able to play through the game without any problems. But he has been in treatment this week, and on Wednesday, he didn’t seem to be working out with the main group. At this point, he is considered doubtful for Saturday’s game and may need to miss a little longer than expected. The team will probably provide an update during Friday afternoon’s pre-game news conference.
You may read our complete Clarke story here.
CALLUM STYLES Styles was still recuperating from his appendix operation when he joined the team for full training last week. He was on the verge of making the bench for the trip to Birmingham City, but the coaching staff opted to allow him a full week to acclimate and catch up.
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That implies he ought to have a good chance of starting or starting on Saturday. With him signing on loan from Barnsley mainly to provide depth at left back given the position’s injury situation, it’s a boost to Sunderland’s depth. Naturally, he also feels very at ease in a variety of midfield positions. Styles is expected to start at left back initially, as Leo Hjelde has been pressed for time since his arrival in January.
Possible return date: February 24th, Swansea City (H)
Since sustaining a muscle injury during his Boxing Day comeback to the starting lineup in the 1-0 victory over Hull City, Dack has been out of action. This week, Dack was back out working on the Academy of Light pitches, indicating that Michael Beale’s recent suggestion that he should return next month is on track.
Possible return date: March 2nd, Norwich City (A)
Patrick Roberts
The hamstring issue that sidelined Roberts for about a month earlier in the season has returned, according to scans performed last week. He is therefore very unlikely to make a comeback until after the international break in March. That ought to present Romaine Mundle with some big opportunities, especially after she made an impression in the first half against Birmingham City last week.
March 29th is a possible return date for Cardiff City (A).
AJI ALESE
Alese missed all of January’s activity due to a setback that followed his triumphant comeback to the game in January. Michael Beale stated last week that the left back is still not prepared to resume training. Around the time of the next month’s international break, he is anticipated to accelerate his recuperation. Given that Alese has missed far too much football this season—and that he has unquestionably prioritized the team over the past year—Sunderland will hope that Styles and Hjelde will give them the leeway to take their time with him.
March 29th is a possible return date for Cardiff City (A).
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Due to hamstring strains, Hide Ad Kirkin underwent surgery last month in an attempt to permanently resolve the issue, which required three months of recovery time. There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding his ability to contribute significantly to the remainder of the Championship season, even if he is expected to return to training in April. In the event that Sunderland advances to the play-offs, he could be prepared to contribute significantly to those games.
In order to make sure that one of their finest young players is back and prepared to contribute significantly, Sunderland will want to take their time with him.
Possible return date: May 4th, Wednesday (H) in Sheffield
EVANS CORRY
Evans’ return to full training with the U21 squad last week was a major step forward in his recovery. The seasoned midfield player is anticipated to return to senior group training and make a few U21 matches. He will therefore still need a few weeks to recuperate before he can return, but he is expected to make a comeback for the Championship run-in. Sunderland will undoubtedly be appreciative of his insights from those crucial weeks spent in the locker room.
ELLIOT EMBLETON
This season, Embleton has had nothing but bad luck. Not long after making a full recovery from a broken leg, he sustained a serious thigh injury while on loan at Derby County. Then, with Sunderland’s U21 team poised to make a comeback, the match was canceled because of a flooded field. He rolled his ankle during a training session the very next day. According to scans, he will likely be away for a month or so before having to regain his strength.
The attacking midfielder may still play for Sunderland this year, but more and more attention will be paid to ensuring he is prepared to make an immediate impact during the preseason.
NIALL HUGGINS
Huggins isn’t anticipated to play again until 2025 after suffering a serious knee ligament damage in Michael Beale’s debut game.
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