Sunderland defender Trai Hume has spoken about Niall Huggins’ injury and

his replacement against Hull City, Jenson Seelt.

While praising Jenson Seelt’s performance against Hull City, Sunderland defender Trai Hume

acknowledged that Niall Huggins’ injury “doesn’t look good.”

Huggins was rushed off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious leg

injury during the Black Cats’ Championship loss to Coventry City last

Saturday at the Stadium of Light. Huggins had started the game at right-

back alongside Hume on the opposing wing.

For Sunderland’s Boxing Day match against Hull City, head coach Michael

Beale started summer transfer Jenson Seelt at right-back. The visitors were able

to maintain a clean sheet and win 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jack Clarke.

Huggins, however, looked to have put his recent injury issues behind him in an

outstanding start to the current campaign. Sunderland, though, have not

yet revealed the nature of the injury but Beale was clear post-Coventry that he

anticipates it being confirmed as a significant one.

“It is a big blow for Huggy,” Hume said when asked about Huggins’ injury after

the Hull City match. “It’s not nice. He was out for a long time and then he came back and was outstanding. I thought he

was one of our best players in the team so to have an injury, we’re not sure what it is yet, but to have an injury that

doesn’t look good, it’s not nice for him but knowing Huggy, he has a strong

mentality and he will bounce back from it.”

On Seelt, who was making just his fourth Championship appearance, Hume said: I thought he was outstanding today. The

organisation in the back four with the two sitters and the attacking players

being disciplined, I thought we were good.”

Now, in an attempt to defeat the Championship struggling team, Rotherham United, Sunderland will visit

the New York Stadium on Friday under the direction of Beale’s team.

“It’s tough to play against Rotherham,” Hume continued. “Especially at home,

they play off second balls and are straightforward. We were defeated by

them at their house last year. We will need to go there, be well-prepared, and

aim to win three points since they are a formidable team at home.