Tony Mowbray has offered an injury update ahead of Sunderland’s upcoming clash with Wigan Athletic.
The Black Cats visit the DW Stadium this evening for their final game of 2022.
Sunderland will be aiming to end the year in the top half of the Championship table, or even perhaps inside the play-off places, by gaining all three points tonight.
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A win could see Mowbray’s side rise as high as fourth in the standings, with the team currently ninth.
However, defensive issues could see some changes made to the side that earned a 2-1 win with Blackburn Rovers last time out.
Dennis Cirkin and Lynden Gooch may be dropped to the bench due to fitness concerns, with Gooch to be assessed ahead of the game.
Meanwhile, Cirkin is still awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of any potential hip injury.
Danny Batth is still a doubt, having missed the win over Rovers on Monday, but Jewison Bennette is set to travel with the squad following his absence against Mowbray’s former club.
“We do have some issues defensively and I don’t think it’s wise to elaborate too much,” said Mowbray, via The Northern Echo.
“Aji Alese won’t make it, though – that’s one we definitely know.
“Danny Batth and Lynden Gooch will be touch-and-go.
“Dennis Cirkin is one we’re still waiting on.
“With the Bank Holiday, Dennis is still awaiting results from a scan.
“I thought it was his knee initially, but it looks to be his hip and we wait to see whether it’s just bruising or a bit more.”
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The Verdict
Uncertainty over Cirkin, Gooch, Batth and the unavailability of Alese is an entire backline potentially out of contention for Sunderland.
That will be a blow going into such a big game, with Mowbray’s side having the chance to end the year on a huge positive note.
Injuries have plagued Sunderland’s season, but the team has coped well, which is to Mowbray’s credit.
There are still options available to the team that should still see a strong lineup put out this evening, but the squad cannot afford any more absences to emerge during such a busy period of the campaign.
