Sunderland ace Chris Rigg is poised to miss the next two weeks of Championship action owing to an ankle injury, which is a setback for the high-flying Black Cats.
The 17-year-old has been instrumental in his team’s promotion campaign, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 22 second-tier games.
| Chris Rigg 2024/25 2024/25 Championship stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 22 |
| Starts | 21 |
| Pass accuracy % | 80.4 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 1.58 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 4.78 |
| Goals | 4 |
He has been in particularly strong form of late, getting on the scoresheet when the Black Cats drew 2-2 with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Boxing Day, and creating an assist during a dramatic 3-2 triumph against Swansea City earlier this month.
Sunderland’s Rigg set for two weeks on the sidelines
According to Alan Nixon, Rigg injured his ankle during a Boxing Day encounter against Blackburn. He is expected to miss the next several games for the Black Cats while recovering.
The 17-year-old’s injury will be a source of anxiety for Stadium of Light fans, as the club faces Stoke City on Sunday and Sheffield United on New Year’s Day.
Regis Le Bris and team may miss Rigg’s services on January 1st, as their match against the Blades, who defeated them last month, could be crucial in the hunt for a top-two berth.
This season, the teenager has demonstrated his capacity to bring excellence in big moments, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough in September and a 2-2 draw with league leaders Leeds United in October.
Due to Rigg’s ankle injury, the Black Cats will need to rely on a different hero to deliver results for the next two weeks.
Rigg injury may help ease transfer pressure
The sole positive outcome of the starlet’s injury for the Black Cats is that it will allow them avoid the possibility of transfer offers for his services during the January window.
According to the Sunderland Echo, Rigg had the option to leave the Stadium of Light last summer because to interest from European clubs like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund. However, he chose to stay in Wearside due to Le Bris’ ability to provide him with regular playing time.
According to Football Insider, the Black Cats have placed a £20-£30 million price tag for the 17-year-old’s talents, which the game’s giants may consider a bargain.
However, due to Rigg’s present injury, Manchester United may now wait until the summer transfer window to recruit the teenager.
For the time being, however, Le Bris and his teammates will be more worried with the reality that the ace’s absence could be detrimental to their promotion prospects, especially considering the importance of their New Year’s Day match against the Blades.
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