Sunderland player doubt for Middlesbrough clash, knee is in a brace – report
Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne is a doubt to face Middlesbrough next weekend due to a knee injury, according to The Northern Echo.
The outlet reported via its website [18 September] that Browne’s knee was in a brace during a fans’ event on Tuesday (17 September).
During the question and answer session at the Stadium of Light, the 29-year-old said it was a precautionary matter, but he is considered a doubt to face Boro nonetheless.
Alan Browne surely ruled out of Middlesbrough v Sunderland
While the knee brace may have been a precaution, it seems almost certain the visit of Middlesbrough will come too soon for Browne in what is a blow for Regis Le Bris.
Browne has played in four of Sunderland’s five Championship matches this season, including 20 minutes of the defeat to Plymouth Argyle last weekend.
The Irishman has proved a good addition to Le Bris’ squad since arriving on a free following his Preston North End exit earlier in the summer.
Sunderland have a few injury problems to contend with ahead of the big clash with Boro, which Le Bris will likely clear up at his press conference on Thursday (19 September).
If the scans show Browne has caused any sort of damage to his knee, the best option is to simply let him rest up and come back when fully fit.
It has been a fantastic start to the campaign for the Black Cats and Le Bris has other options to ensure this early momentum – the loss to Plymouth aside – does not evaporate.
In other Sunderland news, Don Goodman understands the pessimism surrounding the club heading into the campaign.
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