Why Granit Xhaka is not in the Sunderland team vs Leeds United as big double blow confirmed
Leeds United's midweek visitors have been dealt more injury concerns just hours before kick-off at Elland Road.
Sunderland have been dealt a massive double injury blow with two key players not in their starting-XI at Leeds United.
The Black Cats were known to be heading towards Elland Road with multiple fitness issues already. First-team regulars Brian Brobbey, Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo Mandava were all confirmed out, as were fringe players Dennis Cirkin, Romaine Mundle and Jocelin Ta Bi.
One positive for Sunderland going into their weekend 1-1 draw at Bournemouth was the return to the starting-XI of Granit Xhaka, who had missed prior defeats with his experience greatly missed. But the Swiss midfielder was on the receiving end of a strong tackle from Tyler Adams at the Vitality Stadium.
Xhaka received on-field medical attention for the tackle, which Sunderland boss Le Bris suggested could easily have seen Adams sent off. And with a quick turnaround going into this evening’s trip to Leeds, the talismanic midfielder has been deemed fit enough only for the bench.
Whether that decision is a direct result of Adams’ tackle or a case of load management remains to be seen. Xhaka had been out for a month with an ankle injury ahead of returning off the bench against Fulham at the end of February, with Saturday’s start at Bournemouth his first since January 17.
Sunderland goalkeeper blow ahead of Leeds United
In another blow for the Black Cats, impressive goalkeeper Robin Roefs is absent from the squad entirely. Rumours surfaced on social media earlier today of an injury for the Dutchman and that looks to have been true, with 22-year-old Melker Ellborg making his Premier League debut this in place.
Le Bris looks to have named a back-three for Sunderland, with Luke O’nien captaining the visitors on his first Premier League start of the season. He will be alongside regular pair Omar Alderete and Dan Ballard, with Trai Hume and Lutsharel Geertruida at wing-back.
Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, who were both transfer targets for Leeds in the summer, pair up in central midfield with what looks to be a front three. Enzo Le Fee and Nilson Angulo will likely be on either wing with Eliezer Mayenda up top.
Leeds are unchanged from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, with Joe Rodon and James Justin recovering from minor issues to start. Jaka Bijol remains on the bench.