This week’s Sunderland round-up takes a look at the latest news from Stadium of Light. Lee Johnson’s men were back in action following a COVID-19 outbreak at the club; however, the pandemic has hit elsewhere causing another postponement. There is also the latest transfer news as the January window opens. Plus, will striker Will Grigg be out for the rest of the season?
Sunderland Round-Up: Latest Transfer News and More
Latest Transfer News
Reports on Saturday suggested that Lee Johnson could make Forest Green Rovers captain Carl Winchester his first signing at Sunderland. The midfielder’s contract is set to expire this summer and Forest Green will be tempted to cash in. Winchester and Johnson are no strangers to each other. Johnson was the manager at Oldham Athletic for three of the years that Winchester was at the club.
Barnsley winger Luke Thomas is also believed to be a target for the Black Cats. The England U20 international has struggled for starts this season and could be loaned out by the Championship club this month. Johnson has stated his desire to add pace to his squad in January, especially in the final third. The signing of Thomas on loan could give Johnson and Sunderland exactly what they are looking for.
Will Grigg Could be Out for Months
Striker Will Grigg is set to see a specialist on Monday to determine the severity of a knee injury. Grigg missed Saturday’s game at Northampton Town and could be set for a prolonged period on the sidelines.
Speaking after the Northampton game, Lee Johnson gave an update on the striker’s situation: “He’s going to see a specialist on Monday and we will find out if he’s going to be out for three weeks, three months, or nine months.
“I don’t think there will be any in-between – it will either be rest for three weeks and have another go, rest for three months and non-surgical, or we go surgical. If it is surgery, they will have to drill a hole in the kneecap so it bleeds from in to out so it then forms a calcification on the outside of the knee. Hopefully, he’ll be OK, but we just have to touch wood and cross our fingers.”
Sunderland Round-Up: Black Cats Back in Action But Another Game Postponed
Sunderland were finally back in action on Saturday. Having not played since December 15 due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the club, the Black Cats travelled to Northampton Town. Unsurprisingly, Lee Johnson’s side, who have been unable to train for large periods since their last game, looked off the pace at times. However, they came away from the game with a point following a 0-0 draw.
Another COVID-19 outbreak in League One has seen yet another Sunderland being suspended. The game at the Stadium of Light against Fleetwood Town is now off due to an outbreak amongst the Cod Army ranks. No date has yet been arranged for the game to be played. Five of the Black Cats’ games have now been postponed due to the pandemic.
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