What Sunderland’s strongest starting XI and bench could look like when injured players return this season.
With eight league games left in the season, Sunderland hopes to have some of its injured players back following the international break.
The Black Cats, who have struggled with a lengthy injury list recently, will be looking to snap a seven-match losing streak when they visit Cardiff on Friday, March 29. Some players, including Jenson Seelt and Niall Huggins, are anticipated to return before the season ends, but others are expected to miss the remainder of it owing to injury.
When injured players return this season, Sunderland’s starting lineup and bench might look somewhat like this:
In spite of interest from Premier League teams, Patterson signed a new contract with Sunderland last year and has started every Championship game for the team over the past two seasons.
Hume has started every Championship game for Sunderland this season, demonstrating his flexibility and resilience. Additionally, the 21-year-old has played frequently for Northern Ireland.
After the international break, O’Nien, who was given his tenth yellow card of the year and missed games against Southampton and QPR, will serve out his two-match suspension.
Ballard renewed his contract with Sunderland in August, defying rumors that he was being courted by West Ham during the summer. After overcoming several injury setbacks in the previous season, the defender has been a consistent starter this year.