Tony Mowbray has offered supporters an update on Alex Pritchard’s fitness following the win over Watford.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Sunderland boss confirmed that Pritchard had suffered a calf strain.
Mowbray claimed earlier this week that a ‘key’ player had picked up an injury following the weekend’s victory over Sheffield Wednesday, admitting he would have to change the team around to suit yesterday’s clash.
It wasn’t until the starting line-up was revealed and Abdoullah Ba had returned to the team that it was clear that Pritchard was host to the mystery injury.
The 30-year-old has made the most of his place in the line-up in Pierre Ekwah’s absence and had been very impressive in recent games, meaning fans will be eager to see him return for a massive game against Middlesbrough in a couple of days.
However, Mowbray is unsure that he will be available and has admitted it would be a big risk to throw him back in so soon.
“Pritch is probably is unlikely for the weekend, he’s got a slight calf strain,” Mowbray said.
“Calf strains, they’re really delicate things, if you gamble you probably have a calf that tears rather than it being a little niggle, and it will be touch and go to see whether he can make it. I’ll have a chat with him and if he feels OK…
“The scan was very minimal but it showed damage so collectively we felt it was best he leaves it. There’s an international break coming up but we haven’t nailed down Saturday yet, we’ll wait and see how he feels and how he trains.”
Missing Pritchard
While Sunderland did beat Watford, it was clear they were missing Pritchard and definitely would have struggled if they were playing a more capable opponent.
Ba definitely took his chance as he scored his second of the season, but none of the attackers – not even Jack Clarke – really impressed on Wearside.
It seems very likely that Ba will keep his place in the starting line-up against Boro, but the team are going to have to be much better if they are to claim the bragging rights against an in-form Boro side.