David Moyes has been speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash with Hull City.
Sunderland’s Lee Cattermole
Quoted by the club’s official Twitter account, David Moyes has provided an update on the fitness of his Sunderland squad as they look to secure a second consecutive Premier League victory this weekend.
The Scot confirmed that midfielder Lee Cattermole faces at least four months on the sidelines as he undergoes surgery for a knee problem, and the 28-year-old is not the only Black Cat who will miss out this weekend.
“Fabio Borini and Lee Cattermole aren’t back yet and Jack Rodwell has an injury, but apart from that we’re OK,” Moyes said.
“Jan Kirchoff is back in training but won’t feature,” he added.
In brighter news for Sunderland supporters, Victor Anichebe – who was pivotal in their long-awaited first win of the season at Bournemouth a fortnight ago – has recovered from a knock to the ribs and is fit to feature this weekend.
Anichebe is likely to begin the game up front alongside Jermain Defoe, who is within touching distance of reaching a personal milestone.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe is one shy of reaching 150 Premier League goals
The former Tottenham frontman is one short of 150 Premier League goals, and he will pull clear of Les Ferdinand and level with Michael Owen if he finds the net this weekend.
While Defoe’s goalscoring ability has never been in doubt, Sunderland still have problems in other areas of the field.
The absence of Cattermole, Rodwell and Kirchoff leaves a gaping hole in the centre of Sunderland’s midfield, and will only serve to further incense fans who called for the signing of Yann M’Vila in the summer after the Frenchman’s successful loan spell last season.
Paddy McNair, signed primarily as a defender in the summer, has been filling in as a central midfielder and may find himself shoehorned in there again for the crucial fixture against fellow strugglers Hull.
The Tigers head to the Stadium of Light having secured their own much-needed win prior to the international break. Mike Phelan’s side are currently five points clear of Sunderland going into the weekend.
Will Sunderland claim a victory? Leave your predictions below.
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