Great news SUNDERLAND will benefit this weekend from a surge of reinforcements off the treatment table, says Lee Cattermole. The Black Cats’ squad has been stretched to the limit in recent games by a spate of enforced absences. But, as well as Cattermole himself being back from suspension for Sunderland’s next match, away to Leicester City this Saturday, several injured players are also expected to be available again for selection. And the Teessider believes the returns of the likes of Emanuele Giaccherini, Ricky Alvarez (right) and Billy Jones will make a big difference to the strength and quality of the side. “It will be massive to get those back,” he told the Echo. “We haven’t got the biggest of squads, so to be missing those three players is hard. “Things got so stretched the gaffer had to bring in the new lad – Anthony Reveillere – and you don’t usually do stuff like that at this stage of the season. “It shows that we haven’t got enough numbers to be able to afford to lose many people.” Cattermole hopes Sunderland can now avoid the sort of injury problems that have dogged them recently – pointing out that the injuries themselves were not ones that could have been foreseen. “We’ve been unlucky,” he said. “We’ve been unlucky because the injuries that the lads have had have been flukes really. “But with them back, it will keep everyone on their toes. “Giaccherini and Alvarez are two massive attacking players for us, players who can change games. “And Billy has been brilliant in the games he’s played both in defending and going forward and he’s also a good influence about the place. “He has played 200-300 games throughout the leagues, so he’s experienced, he says the right things in the dressing room and you know what you’re going to get from him. “That’s really important. “Part of the reason a squad exists is to cope with injuries but there’s no doubt we’ll be stronger when these lads come back and add extra competition.”
I didn't know we had any injuries TBH. The way the press go on you'd think only Liverpool have any injury problems with Sturridge out!! Seriously though - it'll be great having these players back. Big boost to the side. Alvarez and Giaccherini are both very good creative players which we have missed so far. Our "poor start" has seen us only lose 3 games. Arsenal, QPR and Southampton. Putting aside the Southampton game, The QPR is a big kick. Southampton was a freak result (which I still think we'd have at least drawn had we got the penalty we should've had!). And actually gave the side a kick they possibly and probably needed. Getting players back is massive for us at the level we are and the depth we have (or don;t have) in the squad. Roll on Saturday.
Hell of a boost mate, happy about jones aswell, like him, everton, the mags and manure are in double figures http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php
That says Fletcher's out with no return date though? is that right? Edit - just found out that it is... ****!!
Still to be assessed as far as i can find, deffo out of scotland v england, i think he is with the scotland squad still, all very quiet, the protective boot was more precautionary from what can be gathered, fingers crossed big time on this one
Absolutely. Wickham may have to prove he's good enough up top as he's been, other than half an hour last week, kind of crap of late. May be the kick he needs!!
This, swelling needs to recede before they can asses. It's pretty standard for no return date so soon after the injury. From the talk it's just a knock and they won't find anything on the scans. just a case of a few days rest. Maybe out for the weekend. I'm going to guess he'll be on the bench. Pants Vergini--------O'Shea------Brown--------Reveillere Catts Larrson--------------Gomez Johnson--------------------------------Buckley Wickham Subs:Vito, Jones, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Alvarez, Fletcher, Jozy
Harsh on Bridcutt mind but I agree with the team. Would prefer Fletcher up top[ to Wickham if he's fit - just hope Fletcher is firing for the Chelsea game if he can;t get fit for the weekend. And Giaccherini is happy: http://talksport.com/football/sunde...black-cats-despite-napoli-links-141117124923? ----------- Emanuele Giaccherini says he is happy playing for Sunderland despite being linked with a move to Napoli. talkSPORT told you last week that the Serie A club were interested in Giaccherini, who has made just two appearances in the Premier League this season. It is understood that Napoli boss Rafael Benitez sees Giaccherini as the ideal replacement for Lorenzo Insigne, who is out for the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury. However, Giaccherini has now distanced himself from a return to Italy and committed himself to Sunderland. "The Premier League is the most beautiful in the world and today there are not the conditions to return to play in Italy," Giaccherini told Radio Deejay. "At Sunderland I feel good and I am not thinking of leaving." Read more at http://talksport.com/football/sunde...napoli-links-141117124923#pYU3q7tJlHTbP80D.99 ----------------------------- All good for me
That's what I think Gus will play. I wouldn't risk any of the lads coming back or Fletch. It will be a tough game against a good Championship quality side, the level Bridcutt is trying to step up from which is why I'd give them the nod over Catts, especially after his last performance. I also think it's a good game to give Roders a return and to give Mavrias a shot. We're mid table in the form league, picking up regular points, heat's off a bit, we can afford to tweak things in search of a formula that clicks imo. I'd go Pants Vergini--------O'Shea------Brown--------Reveillere Bridcutt Larrson--------------Rodwell Johnson--------------------------------Mavrias Wickham
Having Alvarez & Giacc back is massive, gives us options, shape & creativity. Fancy us in this one, I do think Leicester are a solid, competitive side, but I fancy us here. 2-1. Giacc & JOS (right end....) Huwaaaaaaa. I'll be in Montego Bay, sound, so even if we lose, I'll probs be too ****faced to feel the pain.
