Sunderland: Niall Huggins needs surgery on knee injury

Niall Huggins, a defender for Sunderland, will require knee surgery and will not be able to play for the remainder of the season. The Black Cats have acknowledged that the full-back has sustained a “significant injury”.

Huggins was substituted late in the home loss to Coventry City last week, and scans

have now confirmed the unfortunate news.

The gifted defender, who appeared to have put two years of injury hell behind him and was among Sunderland’s best

and most reliable players in the opening half of the season, is severely hurt.

Huggins only made two starts in his first two seasons with the Black Cats after signing from Leeds due to a terrible run of injuries, but he seemed to have turned his career around as he has started 17 of Sunderland’s 24 Championship games this season.

However, he now has to sit out an extended period of time again.

“Sunderland AFC confirms that Niall Huggins will undergo surgery after suffering a significant knee injury,” read a statement from the club announcing the grim news.

“After landing awkwardly, the Wales international was replaced in the 85th minute of the Club’s match against Coventry City.

“At this moment, there is no set timeline for the defender’s return to action, but it

is anticipated that he will miss at least the remaining games of the 2023–24 campaign.

“Everyone at SAFC is supporting Niall at this incredibly difficult time and will be

working hard to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”