Dennis Cirkin has taken to social media after Sunderland confirmed his latest injury setback.
Dennis Cirkin has enjoyed a mostly successful spell on Wearside since joining Sunderland from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021. However, his time here seems to have been riddled with injuries.
The defender underwent groin surgery in his first campaign at the Stadium of Light, before missing over 15 games with various different problems last term.
His luck seems to have only worsened this time round, with Cirkin making only five starts so far.
Bar three cameos, the 21-year-old has been absent from the Sunderland squad since the 5-0 win over Southampton in August.
While it was initially thought that he wouldn’t be out too long, the club have now confirmed that he will be sidelined for a minimum of 12 weeks after having surgery on his hamstring. This means he won’t make his return to action until April at the earliest.
Cirkin has now addressed supporters on his Instagram after the devastating news.
He wrote: “I wish I could come back on here to share some good news but unfortunately, the reality is the rocky road is enduring.
“As much hard work and focus I have put into getting back with the team, it has not worked. Hence why I took the advice of surgery. It was successful and just wanted to say thank you to those that have stuck by my side through all of it, as well as those that are helping me get back to my best.
“Having something you love get snatched away from your every day life isn’t a nice feeling, but being in this position only makes me more grateful for where I am and determined for more success no matter what hardship comes with it. See you all soon.”
What does this mean for Sunderland?
Dennis Cirkin’s lengthy spell on the sidelines could well mean we don’t even see him for the rest of the campaign, while Niall Huggins is already confirmed to be out until next season.
With Aji Alese only just returning from a significant injury of his own, Sunderland’s options in the left-back position are looking very thin.
The former West Ham man can’t be expected to start every game after so long out, while it would just take another tweak for us to be left with no one.
The Black Cats need to start working on bringing in a new full-back, because our team is looking weaker by the day.
And maybe don’t sign an injury-prone defender this time, we have enough of those as it is.