The moments you may have missed during an eventful clash between Millwall and Sunderland
Sunderland faced Millwall at The Den in the Championship on Saturday, which was an intriguing game for a variety of reasons.
The game ended 1-1 after a double medical emergency halted the first half, delaying it for around 30 minutes. Given their injury concerns, the Black Cats appeared to have earned an excellent victory as Aaron Connolly scored his first goal for the club. However, Femi Azeez’s stoppage-time goal secured Millwall a point on the day.
The injury worries during Millwall vs Sunderland at The Den
Sunderland fans were concerned multiple times throughout the game due to the violent character of the match versus Millwall.
With only 18 minutes on the clock, star striker Wilson Isidor collapsed, clutching his foot, after colliding with a Millwall defender. It appeared to be a sore one for the huge Frenchman, who was then seen gripping his ankle just nine minutes later, leaving many fans anxious about the loanee.
Despite the knocks, Isidor played the full 90 minutes at The Den, as Sunderland conceded a late equaliser to make it four draws in a row in the Championship, following stalemates against Queens Park Rangers, Preston North End, and Coventry City.
Luke O’Nien also suffered a significant back injury during the first half, with Sunderland’s club captain, who turned 30 earlier this week, appearing to be in pain. The former Wycombe player appeared to misjudge his landing when attempting to clear a Millwall free-kick into the area, but he recovered to play the entire game despite moving awkwardly in the minutes following the incident.
Towards the end of the game, defender Dan Ballard was seen limping. The former Arsenal player collapsed around the 80-minute mark, clutching his leg, but recovered to play the entire 90 minutes. However, Ballard was still moving cautiously as the full-time whistle blew. Ballard has had ankle and foot issues throughout his stay at Sunderland.
Although Isidor, O’Nien, and Ballard appeared to sustain in-game injuries, there was no indication after the game that they would miss Tuesday’s match against West Brom at the Stadium of Light, but their condition is undoubtedly worth monitoring as the hectic Christmas season approaches.
Aaron Connolly was substituted in the second half against Millwall, revealing after the game that he was removed as a precaution after experiencing a brief dizzy episode. After scoring his first goal, he hoped to play in the following games. The attacker was also seen grabbing his calf before being taken away injured.
The injury worries before Millwall vs Sunderland at The Den
Following the match, Régis Le Bris stated that Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde, and Nazariy Rusyn might still play in Sunderland’s next two games following their surprise absence at Millwall on Saturday.
Cirkin broke his wrist during the 0-0 draw with QPR and played despite the discomfort for the next two games. However, the injury necessitated surgery during the international break, and he is currently recovering. The club said on Saturday that he would return to play following a’short recovery period’.
Hjelde and Rusyn were also absent, however Hjelde did accompany the team. The duo are doubts for West Brom’s visit to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, although Le Bris does not anticipate them to be absent for long.
Sunderland set to be boosted vs West Brom at the Stadium of Light
The return of three crucial players will strengthen the Black Cats’ chances against West Brom at the Stadium of Light in the Championship on Tuesday night.
Jobe Bellingham is ready to return to Sunderland after missing the club’s past three games due to a red card, including three against Queens Park Rangers a few weeks ago. The attacking midfielder’s final game of the ban came against Millwall.
However, the former Birmingham City player is just one yellow card away from receiving another one-game suspension. A yellow card against West Brom on Tuesday would mean another ban. Le Bris will also benefit from the return of Patrick Roberts and Trai Hume, who served one-game bans after receiving five yellow cards.
Sunderland will, however, keep a careful eye on Chris Mepham’s situation. The central defender received his fourth caution of the season against Millwall and is now one yellow away from a one-game suspension heading into the West Brom match.
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