Sunderland are still pushing for that automatic promotion push, as unlikely as it may seem, but injury issues are really getting in the way.
All things considered, it’s a bit of a miracle that Sunderland are still in the conversation for the top two, even if they are the quietest participants in that particular discussion right now.
Sadly, though, the truth is they will need an even bigger miracle to usurp the likes of Leeds United, Burnley, and Sheffield United and grab a top-two spot.
Most fans are likely to be pencilling in dates for Sunderland’s play-off adventure already. But, just as Regis Le Bris was planning to have certain players back by then, he’s been struck by yet another setback on the injury front.
Ahmed Abdullahi and Jayden Danns update – recovery is not going to plan
Speaking to the press (via the club’s official YouTube channel) ahead of the upcoming game against Preston North End, the Sunderland manager revealed some bad news when it comes to the recovery process for Ahmed Abdullahi.
He said: “Ahmed struggled with this injury. The injury is solved now, but there have been some ups and downs with the pain. The surgery was fine, successful, but sometimes there was a reaction to the load of the training sessions.
“So he just needs time. He is not yet ready to train with us, he just needs time. I would like a third striker for sure, but we will wait.”
No news is often seen as good news, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to Jayden Danns. Le Bris added that “there is no update at the moment” on the Liverpool loanee, who is back on Merseyside for his own period of rehabilitation.
It was hoped Danns would return next month and be gearing up in time for the play-offs, but this latest update doesn’t fill us with much confidence.
Sunderland’s lack of depth in attack will cost them promotion
Naturally, when you lose players like Romaine Mundle, Tommy Watson, Enzo Le Fee, and Eliezer Mayenda for months at a time, your season is going to suffer.
We have seen players like Patrick Roberts and Chris Rigg really struggle with fatigue in recent weeks, and the fact Le Bris doesn’t really have options to rotate is seriously harming the momentum of the team.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 36 | 22 | 10 | 4 | 72 | 23 | 49 | 76 |
| 2 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 36 | 24 | 6 | 6 | 51 | 27 | 24 | 76 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 36 | 20 | 14 | 2 | 49 | 10 | 39 | 74 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 36 | 19 | 11 | 6 | 54 | 33 | 21 | 68 |
| 5 |  CoventryCoventry | 36 | 16 | 8 | 12 | 52 | 46 | 6 | 56 |
| 6 |  West BromWest Brom | 36 | 13 | 16 | 7 | 46 | 32 | 14 | 55 |
Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini highlighted the lack of depth in attack for the Black Cats, suggesting that as good as Mayenda and Wilson Isidor are, the squad simply doesn’t have enough options on the bench.
It’s something that the bigger teams above Sunderland seem to have in abundance, though. While Leeds can throw on the likes of Willy Gnonto or Sheffield United can lean on Rhian Brewster, Sunderland are having to plough on with the same small set of players.
Sadly, it will likely prove to be the difference between promotion and another season in the second tier for the Black Cats.