Sunderland could be without Dion Sanderson for the remainder of 2020/21, with the on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers defender suffering a back injury.
The 21-year-old featured for the Black Cats against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, and manager Lee Johnson admitted after the game that the player had complained of pain.
It turns out the issue is fairly significant, the Northern Echo reporting the injury could take a few weeks to heal, and Roker Report going as far as to say he likely won’t play again in 2020/21.
Sunderland have just six games remaining until the season’s end. (not including possible play-off games).
Currently they lie third in the League One table, and are looking to climb above Peterborough United into the automatic promotion places.
Sanderson has been a vital player for Sunderland since the turn of the year.
The Wednesfield-born youngster has regularly drawn praise for his performances in the team’s backline.
He’ll certainly be a real miss for them in the business end of the season.
On social media, some Black Cats fans have been reacting to the Sanderson news, and it’s clear to see just how highly the talented Wolves-owned player is valued there:
If Dion Sanderson is out for the season and has played his final game for us, what a superb impact he’s had. Would love to have him back again next season, but I can’t help but feel that NES has big plans for him at Wolves. Fabulous player. #SAFC 🔴⚪️
— Philip West (@Philip_RJ89) April 15, 2021
Very much struggling to digest these Dion Sanderson rumours😫
🔴⚪️#safc
— Michael Oates✍🏻📝📚🔴⚪️⚽️ (@afootyeducation) April 15, 2021
The last thing we need is Dion Sanderson out for the rest of the season.
But if we have seen the last of him in a Sunderland shirt, then it has been a pleasure to watch him. Rolls-Royce defender at this level and has been a rock despite the injuries around him.
— Charlie Horner (@CharlieHorner_) April 15, 2021
If the Dion Sanderson rumours are true about him being out for the rest of the season this is a massive blow. Our best defender by a mile and has been a class act since he arrived. Will be a huge miss. #SAFC
— Ewan (@eab1992) April 15, 2021
🤦🏻♂️
— Andy S. (@snaith_76) April 15, 2021
this just tops off what has been an awful week. Big ask without him.
— Scott (@ScottDuffman) April 15, 2021
Im a fairly positive Sunderland fan in the grand scheme of things but thats our season finished… https://t.co/3vb8rwSfbz
— Sam (@SR19__) April 15, 2021
https://t.co/Z82uk0LurI pic.twitter.com/rMhX8evHK9
— Jack Gilmore (@15jgilmore) April 15, 2021