Ballards a major doubt for us. Needless to say our 2 regular sicknotes aka Alese and Cirkin are also very doubtful. It really confuses me how a wrist injury can keep someone out for so long when alot of players play with a cast on their wrist. I remember Jamie Vardy wearing a blue one for Leicester when he broke his?
Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle has been pictured back in the gym as he continues his recovery from the hamstring injury sustained during the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal in July. The 22-year-old underwent surgery to resolve a recurring issue that disrupted his preparations for Sunderland’s return to the Premier League. Sunderland confirmed earlier in the summer that the operation was aimed at fixing the problem fully and preventing further setbacks. However, Mundle has now shared a photo on his social media showing him back in the gym doing light training – a positive sign for Régis Le Bris and Sunderland supporters as he continues his recovery. Head coach Le Bris previously explained that Mundle would miss the start of the season, with the club hopeful he could return to action around October. The timeline means the winger could rejoin full team training in the coming weeks if his recovery continues to progress as planned. #SAFC Link in comments
Cirkin has had a few injuries but I believe some think he is one of those players who won't play with the slightest niggle! That a diplomatic way of putting it anyway. Obviously we don't know the truth and he might be or he might be unlucky. One thing that I know some can't get over is his extensive lay off with concussion. But he wasn't half smashed in the head and only because he was brave enough to stick it in there to score, I believe he woud have been tested and told he couldn't play and had nothing to with him not wanting to play because of it. Either way it seems we have made a step up in his position so for now there is no need to rush him back! Get him properly recovered. Anyway isn't he one of the ones not signed a new contract yet?
Him and Neil are out of contract at the end of the season. Speakman said something about "waiting for the transfer window to close" or some **** like that, yet they managed to get Hume, Rigg and O'Nien to sign new contracts during that time. I'd be amazed if the club didn't want to tie both players up for financial reasons alone - losing 2 players for nowt isn't great in this PSR world - Neil would be pure profit if we sold him on
Both Neil and Cirkin ( when fit?) ,face a real struggle to get into the side,but,their chance will come when players are injured or suspended,and they will have better players around them than last year,for certain. It's up to them to take it. I'm not sure about Cirkin,but I'm pretty sure Neil has had a contract offer,which he hasn't so far signed. I have absolute confidence in the way KS manages our players,both from the club point of view and the individual players. My instinct is that the coaching staff may have expressed the view that neither are ready PL material,so it'll be interesting to see how it develops.
if/when LoN is back to full fitness, where will that leave him? hes not getting back in the first 11, no chance, a super sub?
CIRKIN CRAIC Regis Le Bris has spoken about Dennis Cirkin's injury and how a lack of pre-season means the left back isn't exactly a nailed on started in this new-look Sunderland side. This article also contains Krisjaan Speakman's latest Cirkin contract update, amid reports (again) that Tottenham are looking to bring the 23-year-old back to the club in January. This is a rumour that has popped up pretty much every transfer window since Cirkin joined Sunderland, so we'll take it with a pinch of salt for now. RLB: HOW IMPORTANT WILL HE BE? "We'll see. We've stepped up as a club, and as a player, you have to do the same. Because of the injury, it wasn't possible for him to show his qualities in pre-season. We'll see later." KS: CIRKIN AND NEIL DEALS "No, I wouldn't say it (the situation) is a concern. We've had similar situations in the past. It's never really been a concern for us because we're on top of the conversation. So there's no ambiguity on where it's at. It's just so difficult over the transfer window to do everything, and we've got some outstanding topics to discuss and to resolve, and they're two of them. So we'll do as we've always done. We'll continue to have those conversations and get to a consensus and a decision on it."
We have quite a few versatile players now so if everyone is fully fit going to be hard for a few to make the bench I'd never bet against O9 tho, however, I only like a couple of defensive subs on the bench as prefer more game changers and that could impact him
I think Ballard will struggle for game time now nevermind Onien. Its a shame Alese was once again unavailable during the window to seal himself a loan move back to the Championship, because right now that is exactly what he needs.
Cirkin played 35 games last season, five less than Jobe, many of them with a broken wrist. Hardly someone who won't play " with a niggle".
Aye i think Alese is likely done here now, talented lad but turns 25 this season. The competition for places is great and I don't envy RLB picking a 20 man squad when more players get fit
unfortunately we need a buyer and I’m not sure there’d be many at a decent level. Can see him going to a championship team for a couple of mil.
His agent is obviously using this to his and Dans advantage. Abit disappointing though that Dans been part of this journey and now we've reached the dizzy heights instead of wanting to showcase his ability and get into our starting 11 he's stalling on a new contract.
Is it to their advantage though? Dan may get a free move but looking at the PL there’s not a single midfield he walks into. If he’s wanting a big payrise he’s not getting it in the championship and if it’s game time he wants he won’t get it in the PL. Maybe a European club will take a chance because he’s a available on a free but it’s a shame he doesn’t want to fight for his place and thinks it should be a given, if that’s the case anyway.
Looking at RLB comments about Cirkin..would suggest to me he has an uphill job getting into this team. Neil, I really have no idea...He is fit and ready to play and yet his only minutes have been in the Carabao Cup, again this tells me he could be surplus to requirements and would see both leave in the Jan window. As Scout says, never write off LON, but given the standard we have bought I would find it difficult to see him break into the side, unless we have serious suspensions and injuries
