Breaking: When injured players return this season, Sunderland’s starting lineup  

When injured players return this season, Sunderland’s starting lineup and bench may look like  

 

 

 

Sunderland has eight league fixtures left in the current season, and there is

optimism that some of the club’s injured players will make a comeback after the international break. Despite grappling

with a lengthy injury list lately, they aim to break their streak of seven winless matches when they face Cardiff on Friday, March 29. While individuals like

Niall Huggins and Jenson Seelt are slated to sit out the remainder of the season due to injuries, others are anticipated to

rejoin the squad before the season concludes. Here’s a potential lineup for Sunderland’s starting XI and bench once the injured players return:

 

1. GK: Anthony Patterson 

Patterson has been a consistent starter in every Championship match for Sunderland throughout the past two

seasons. Despite attracting attention from Premier League clubs, he opted to renew his contract with the club last year.

2.RB: Trai Hume  

Hume’s versatility and durability have been crucial for Sunderland this season,

as he has started in every Championship match. Additionally, the 21-year-old has been a consistent presence for Northern Ireland.

3. CB: Luke O’Nien 

O’Nien will come back from a two-match suspension following the international break, having been absent for games

against Southampton and QPR due to accumulating his tenth yellow card of the season.

4. CB: Dan Ballard

Although West Ham reportedly showed interest over the summer, Ballard opted to sign a new contract with Sunderland in August. Despite facing multiple injury setbacks last season, the defender has been a consistent starter this season.

5. LB: Dennis Cirkin 

Following a strong beginning to the season, the 21-year-old left-back has encountered additional injury setbacks and is expected to be out of action until April due to a hamstring problem that

required surgery. Despite this, Cirkin remains a crucial figure for Sunderland, having recently signed a contract extension that ties him to the club until 2026.

6. CM: Dan Neil

Neil has demonstrated versatility this season by featuring both as a defensive

midfielder and in a more attacking role, addressing Sunderland’s shortage of options in midfield.

7. CM: Pierre Ekwah

Ekwah has emerged as a pivotal figure for Sunderland since joining from West Ham last year. The 22-year-old has consistently featured in midfield alongside Neil throughout this season.

8. RW: Patrick Roberts 

Roberts has been sidelined for Sunderland’s previous six games due to a hamstring injury. It’s unlikely that the

winger will be ready immediately after the international break, but there’s a possibility of him returning to action at the beginning of April.

9. CAM: Jobe Bellingham 

Bellingham has been included in the starting lineup for 35 out of Sunderland’s 38 league matches this season since joining from Birmingham in the summer. The 18-year-old has mostly played as an attacking midfielder or in the No. 10 role.

10. LW: Jack Clarke

Sunderland’s leading goal scorer has been absent from the team’s last five matches due to an ankle injury. Similar

to Roberts, Clarke is unlikely to be fit immediately after the international break but could potentially return to action in early April.

11. ST: Nazariy Rusyn 

Rusyn was sidelined for Sunderland’s recent goalless draw against QPR due to injury but might be fit and available after the international break.

 

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