All of the latest Sunderland injury news including updates from Mike Dodds as well as their projected return to the team.
Sunderland’s injury list this season has seemed neverending. From the moment the campaign began, first-teamers were on the sideline waiting to return to full fitness.
Since Mike Dodds has taken the helm, things have not got much better. The Stadium of Light has seen multiple academy players thrown into the squad to help cope with the situation.
Thankfully, many are on the mend with Jack Clarke just one who has made his comeback recently.
Now, ahead of their trip to the Hawthorns, Dodds has confirmed that one long-term absentee is close to returning to the fold.
Dennis Cirkin – injury latest
Bar three cameos, the left-back has been absent from the Sunderland squad since their 5-0 win over Southampton in August.
A hamstring injury has kept the defender on the sidelines with him receiving a setback at the start of the year after it was revealed that he needed surgery.
However, Dodds has now confirmed that Cirkin is close to returning to the pitch. Speaking before the West Brom game, the manager said: “He’s back training with the group but not fully training with the group. I think like the other lads who have come back, you don’t want to rush them back.
“The plan is to try and see him before the end of the season, whether that materialises we’ll find out in the next couple of weeks or so.”
Expected return: Sheffield Wednesday (May 4)
Corry Evans – injury latest
A player who has had little luck with injuries is Evans. The club captain has now been out for over a year after damaging his cruciate ligament against Middlesbrough in January 2023.
Since then, the 33-year-old has been on the road to recovery and is now edging closer to a return to the pitch. However, Dodds confirmed that Evans has suffered another setback in his route to fitness. This is only believed to be a minor issue with Evans set to return soon.
Expected return: Sheffield Wednesday (May 4)
Jenson Seelt – injury latest
In March Sunderland suffered yet another injury setback. After the game against Southampton, it was confirmed that the defender had picked up a knee injury and would at least be out for the season.
However, at the end of March, his recovery timeline was updated with the club confirming that Seelt was out for six to nine months.
Expected return: 2025
Nazariy Rusyn – injury latest
Rusyn had been forced to miss Sunderland’s last few games with a calf injury he picked up against Southampton. However, it has now been confirmed that the attacker has returned to training and could well be back out on the pitch soon.
Expected Return: Watford (April 27)
Niall Huggins – injury latest
Another player whose Sunderland career has been riddled with injuries. Huggins only managed five appearances at the club until the current campaign.
Here, the defender made a positive impact on the team before being stretchered off against Coventry with a knee injury. He will not be available again this season.
Expected return: 2024/25 season
Elliot Embleton – injury latest
Finally, Embleton is still out of the pitch with his injury. Tearing his quadriceps while on loan to Derby, the midfielder is yet to make a return to the pitch.
Dodds recently updated fans on Embleton’s injury situation stating that it is unlikely he will play again this season.
Expected return: 2024/25 season