Sunderland have been hit with some significant injury blows ahead of their clash against Rotherham United on Friday night.
Sunderland secured an important 1-0 win over fellow play-off rivals Hull City on Boxing Day thanks to a fierce Jack Clarke strike.
It was a much-needed win for the Black Cats, who had just sunk to a 3-0 defeat against Coventry City in Michael Beale’s first match in charge.
Although Clarke’s sensational winning goal stole the headlines, there were plenty of positives for Beale to take from his first victory in the Sunderland dugout.
Pierre Ekwah was back to his best in midfield after being criticised for his performances recently, Jenson Seelt was outstanding at right-back and Jobe Bellingham put in a huge shift in front of Jude Bellingham, who was in attendance at the MKM Stadium.
For all of the positives on the pitch, Beale was hit with a huge slice of misfortune as he watched Bradley Dack hobble off the pitch.
The 29-year-old was substituted in the first half after going down with a hamstring injury and the Sunderland boss confirmed he’ll need a scan on it.
This news comes after flying full-back Niall Huggins was taken off the pitch with a serious knee injury in the defeat against Coventry.
Unfortunately, a devastating update has now emerged on the extent of that damage.
Niall Huggins ruled out for the season
After the match against Hull, Beale confirmed that they were waiting on the result of Huggins scan.
Now it has been confirmed by Sunderland’s official website that the 23-year-old will miss at least the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Huggins has been a driving force down the right or left flank for the Black Cats this term having made 19 appearances in the Championship.
The Welshman fits the profile of what Beale looks for in a full-back, encouraging him to use his pace to overlap and provide a threat in the final third.
In his absence, the 43-year-old now has decide who replaces him.
Who should replace Niall Huggins?
Although Seelt did an exceptional job as a defensive right-back against Hull, Beale has other options in that area who can challenge him for that spot.
Timothee Pembele made his first appearance in the match day squad on Boxing Day and should make his debut for the club in the next fortnight.
The Frenchman is short of match sharpness but over the festive period he can showcase his qualities as a powerful and athletic full-back to replace Huggins.
As previously mentioned, Beale likes his full-backs to push high and deliver quality crosses into the box.
Pembele certainly fits that bill and as does Dennis Cirkin, who is set to return in the New Year.
Cirkin scored five goals from left-back last term and will be a huge asset to Beale.