Sunderland Football Club has announced that a total of four players will be absent at the start of the upcoming Premier League season as they continue to recover from various injuries. Among the players affected is Luke O’Nien, a seasoned stalwart of the squad, who is in the process of recuperating from shoulder surgery following an unfortunate dislocation that occurred during Sunderland’s victory over Sheffield United at Wembley.
Adding to the defensive setback, the team will also be without the services of Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, and Leo Hjelde for the initial month of the campaign due to their respective shoulder, wrist, and Achilles injuries. This leaves Sunderland’s defensive lineup looking thin and highlights the urgency for reinforcements in that area as the new season approaches.
In addition to the injury news, there have been updates provided on the availability of the club’s new signings. While Habib Diarra may feature in the upcoming match against South Shields, Noah Sadiki and Chemsdine Talbi are still awaiting international clearance before they can make their respective debuts. Simon Adingra and Reinildo are not yet ready to play, with the latter still to join his teammates after his involvement in the Club World Cup with Atletico Madrid.
Despite the setbacks, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for Regis Le Bris as it appears that Chris Rigg is making positive strides in his recovery from an ankle injury. Furthermore, Romaine Mundle has returned to training this week following his hamstring injury towards the end of the previous season. Additionally, long-term absentees Niall Huggins, Jenson Seelt, and Ahmed Abdullahi are all participating in the initial phases of pre-season training, showing signs of progress.
Sunderland’s comprehensive statement confirms that the injured quartet, including Alese, O’Nien, Cirkin, and Hjelde, are expected to miss the club’s first three Premier League fixtures against West Ham United, Burnley, and Brentford before aiming to return to action post the September international break. The club remains hopeful for their swift recovery and is eagerly anticipating their return to the pitch.
The ongoing updates and injury concerns highlight the importance of reinforcements in defensive areas in the coming weeks for Sunderland as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season. Despite the challenges, the team remains focused on overcoming these obstacles and putting together a strong squad for the campaign ahead.
