Sunderland is poised to face a formidable challenge in their season as they prepare to confront the Championship leaders, Leicester City, on Tuesday evening. The Black Cats head to the King Power Stadium following consecutive losses, marking the first time they’ve suffered back-to-back defeats since the season’s opening week. Their 2-1 loss to Stoke City on Saturday followed a significant home defeat by Middlesbrough just before the international break.
Despite departing the bet365 Stadium without points, Sunderland can find some solace in the fact that Pierre Ekwah, Alex Pritchard, Bradley Dack, and Niall Huggins returned to action after recovering from injuries during the game. Additionally, there are a couple of other players who are nearing readiness for first-team participation, with Dennis Cirkin and Eliezer Mayenda making progress in that regard. However, it’s worth noting that their captain, Corry Evans, remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
Ahead of each match, Tony Mowbray provides an injury update, and ChronicleLive has compiled the most recent information available about the current injury situations of the players receiving treatment at the Academy of Light. Starting with
Dennis Cirkin:
Defender Dennis Cirkin has been unavailable due to a hamstring injury since the season resumed after the September international break. As of October 20, Coach Mowbray gave an update on his progress, stating, “Dennis has been back on the training field. He began the week by participating in parts of the team session and then did some individual work, gradually increasing his activity.” Although he didn’t participate in the game against Stoke City, there’s a possibility of him being part of an U21 match this week.
Timothee Pembele
Timothee Pembele, a signing from Paris St-Germain on deadline day, is currently lacking in fitness due to his limited game time last season after recovering from a long-term injury. He was actively involved in full training before the October international break, but Mowbray mentioned on October 20 that Pembele encountered a setback and is expected to be sidelined for at least another four weeks.
Eliezer Mayenda
Eliezer Mayenda, who joined Sunderland from the French club Sochaux in July, sustained a hamstring injury during his very first training session on Wearside. Mayenda is now back in training with the first team, and on October 20, Mowbray indicated that he might participate in an U21 game this week.
Aji Alese
Defender Aji Alese suffered a thigh injury during Sunderland’s home defeat against Stoke City in April. Although the 22-year-old made a swift return for the Black Cats’ play-off semi-final second leg at Luton Town, coming off the bench for the final half-hour at Kenilworth Road, he experienced a recurrence of the injury in that match. Alese’s recovery was progressing well until the October international break, but on October 20, Mowbray revealed that the injury had slightly worsened, and Alese would be out for a few more weeks.
Jay Matete
Midfielder Jay Matete sustained a knee cartilage injury during a pre-season game against North Carolina and underwent surgery. Initially expected to be out for several months, Mowbray stated on October 21 that Matete is on track to make his return in November, mentioning, “Jay has been back on the field this week, sporting some nice new boots as well! He’s been actively training on the grass, engaging in drills that indicate he’s getting closer.”
Corry Evans
Influential captain Corry Evans suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in January during Sunderland’s home victory against Middlesbrough. The 33-year-old faces an extended period of recovery. Although he has recently begun basic ball-work on the grass at the Academy of Light, the Northern Ireland international is not anticipated to return until the New Year. In mid-August, Mowbray mentioned that it was positive to witness Corry Evans commence his grass-based training and rebuilding process, even though his return remains months away.
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