Dennis Cirkin in crushing blow as Sunderland release official statement
Dennis Cirkin has had to withdraw from international duty after the Sunderland defender was due to jet off with England Under-21s.
Sunderland remain on course for a successful season in the Championship, and Cirkin has played an influential role in that.
With three goals and two assists, Cirkin has contributed at both ends of the pitch, while being available for the majority of the campaign.
However, the latest update from Sunderland spells bad news for the defender ahead of the final eight games of the season.
Sunderland suffer yet another injury concern
Not only did Sunderland's 3-0 defeat to Coventry concern the late performances, but also the immediate availability of Cirkin after the defender was withdrawn in the 69th minute with injury.
Cirkin was seen holding his hamstring when leaving the pitch, with an official statement released via the club site (20 March) stating that he has had to withdraw from international duty with England as a result.
| Sunderland | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Duels won |
| Dennis Cirkin | 34 | 3 | 2 | 192 |
The statement reads: "Dennis Cirkin will no longer join up with England Under-21s after picking up an injury during Saturday’s game against Coventry City.
"The defender, who had received his first call-up to Lee Carsley’s squad, was replaced in the second half and is now undergoing further assessments by the Club’s medical staff."
Given the lack of options Sunderland have in that area of the squad, his absence would be a huge blow if he were to miss any considerable number of fixtures between now and the end of the campaign.
Cirkin absence could hamper Sunderland promotion hopes
Not only has Cirkin been one of the best players on Wearside this season, but he is also one of only two players capable of playing at left-back, given the injuries to Aji Alese and Niall Huggins.
Heading into the final eight games, Sunderland simply need to find a way to build momentum and find some form to take into the playoffs.
A top-two finish is all but off the cards now, but promotion is still there to be achieved, though this injury update will certainly hamper their chances of doing that.