Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair was substituted off against Middlesbrough.
Chris Coleman has admitted to the Sunderland Echo that he is worried about Paddy McNair.
McNair has missed much of the season so far with injury, but has returned to Sunderland’s starting line-up recently.
However, the Northern Irish international had to be taken off before half-time against Middlesbrough.
And Coleman is now concerned that McNair could be left on the sidelines again, although he insists that Jonny Williams is back and fit again.
“What Jonny does well is he gets those free-kicks on the edge of the box,” Coleman said. “I think that’s where he probably gets a lot of injuries, he almost entices a challenge and a tackle. But he gets you up the pitch and into the little pockets. His minutes will help him physically but Paddy is one I’m worried about.
“It was great to see him on Tuesday get through 90 minutes. When you’ve been out a long, long time like he has, it sometimes happens, you come back, stop, start, but for us we can’t afford that. We need him fit because he definitely gives us a little bit more when he’s on the pitch.”
McNair had proven his worth to Sunderland after coming back from injury.
The former Manchester United man had impressed with his showings in midfield, and looked set to play a key role had he remained fit.
Sunderland are still battling against the drop, and proved that they had some fight left in them against Boro.
The Black Cats managed to stage a comeback to claim a point in a 3-3 draw, with Callum McManaman scoring in the last minute.
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