Sunderland‘s defensive crisis worsens with Jenson Seelt injury

With Jenson Seelt expected to miss a considerable amount of time due to a serious knee injury, Sunderland’s defensive dilemma has worsened. Mike Dodds will have just one center-half available for Saturday’s pivotal match against QPR.

In an Instagram post, “gutted” Seelt disclosed the devastating blow, and the Dutchman stated he will miss “a long period of time” due to the injury he sustained during Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Southampton.

In recent weeks, the summer signing has been used; Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, and Niall Huggins are among the long-term absentees. Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien have also served suspensions. Prior to learning of Seelt’s significant setback, interim head coach Mike Dodds was already stretched thin at center-back following Ballard’s forced substitution during the loss at Southampton due to a hamstring injury.

With six straight losses, Dodds has just one healthy, reliable center back in Leo Hjelde for the crucial visit from QPR. The faltering Black Cats are in desperate need of a win.

Since joining from Leeds United in January, Norwegian Hjelde has played at left defender, but with Seelt out, O’Nien serving the second of his two-game ban, and Ballard doubtful, Hjelde will surely have to go inside on Saturday.

Seelt posted on Instagram, saying, “I’m devastated to share the news that I suffered a knee injury during the game against Southampton.”

“I was not prepared for this, and I will be away for a while.

“I must put all of my attention toward my recuperation at this time and make every effort to return stronger and better than before. Every challenge we face in life offers us opportunities to learn and transform it into something positive.”

The six-game losing streak will continue to put pressure and concerns on Wearside, and news of the injury will not help. Dodds, the interim head coach, is scheduled to address the media on Thursday. He is still trying to find his first point since becoming caretaker coach for the third time.

The Black Cats are currently 11 points below the top six after dropping out of play-off contention in recent weeks. Merely nine points separate them from the relegation zone.

Since joining Sunderland from PSV Eindhoven in the summer, Seelt has made 17 appearances for the team, 11 of which have come as starters. However, it now appears unlikely that he will play again this season.

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