Dennis Cirkin may have played final Sunderland game after new injury update
Dennis Cirkin’s time at Sunderland has been marred by injuries and setbacks.
Sunderland face Crystal Palace this weekend, looking to win their first away game of the season since making a return to the Premier League.
However, they will travel to Selhurst Park without Cirkin, who has been absent from the matchday squad ever since the Black Cats’ Wembley triumph against Sheffield United in the play-off final.
His initial absence wasn’t too much of a concern, especially with Reinildo impressing for Sunderland, though the latest update could spell the end of his career on Wearside.
Regis Le Bris confirms yet another injury setback for Dennis Cirkin
Towards the end of last season, Cirkin suffered a wrist injury that would then require surgery over the course of the summer, which is why the left-back hasn’t featured this campaign.
However, in quotes reported by the Northern Echo on 11 September, Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Cirkin has now suffered a problem with his knee, with an extended break suggested for the defender.
“It’s a bit longer than expected,” he said.
“We have decided to step back, really. We have decided to give him a real period of rest so that he can reset and get ready to reconnect with the squad.”
Cirkin was linked with a move back to Tottenham in the summer, though that deal failed to materialise, and with just one year left on his deal, it remains to be seen where his future lies.
He will be free to negotiate a free transfer abroad come January, and there will be plenty of concerns over whether he is back to fitness by then.
- Read more: Regis Le Bris makes cruel decision in one change – Sunderland predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
Sunderland need to cash in on Dennis Cirkin
By the time the opportunity arises, Cirkin will have just six months remaining on his contract, meaning the fee received for his exit will be minimal.
However, Sunderland need to generate whatever they can, given his injury record throughout his time at the Stadium of Light.
- 25/26 – 3 games missed
- 24/25 – 3 games missed
- 23/24 – 18 games missed
- 22/23 – 27 games missed
- 21/22 – 8 games missed
Tottenham may still hold an interest, especially at a discounted price, and with Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku now ahead of him in the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, an exit may make sense for all parties.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.