Sunderland have added another player to their long injury list as Jewison Bennette was ruled out of this weekend’s match.
Speaking ahead of their trip to Coventry City, Tony Mowbray confirmed that the Costa Rican is unavailable after suffering a back spasm.
Despite only playing three league games so far this season, Sunderland are already struggling with a large number of injuries. The likes of Ross Stewart, Aji Alese and Elliot Embleton have carried over issues from last season, while Bennette now joins Patrick Roberts on the sidelines.
The pair’s absence leaves Mowbray very limited for attacking options this weekend, with Lynden Gooch potentially set for a rare appearance in the front three after regularly featuring from defence last year.
“Jewison is injured at the moment, so he won’t be involved this weekend. He’s had a back spasm,” Mowbray said.
Jewison Bennette is likely to stay at Sunderland beyond the summer transfer window
Bennette is yet to hit the ground running on Wearside since joining the club last summer. The teenager made 15 appearances last season and was reportedly preparing to be sent out on loan in the final week of the transfer window.
However, Bennette’s setback makes an exit very unlikely and Mowbray has suggested he will remain in Sunderland as he looks to get himself back in the first team picture.
“I don’t think it’s going to be this window for Jewison,” Mowbray said.
“I think he needs bedding into the club, keep learning the language and understanding the demands of the club. And then hopefully he can make more of a breakthrough, because he is undoubtedly talented.
“It is much more difficult for Jewi because while we have four or five younger lads who all speak French, there isn’t anyone who speaks Spanish other than Hemir who speaks a little bit of it.
“I think that’s made his integration understandably more difficult. So I just think we have to be patient with Jewison.
“I don’t see him going anywhere over the next week other than working on getting himself back fit and getting himself back in contention for selection.”