How Sunderland can get European qualification on the cards before Granit Xhaka return
Sunderland are awaiting the return of captain Granit Xhaka.
The experienced midfielder made the switch from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen last summer and has taken on a talismanic role at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland secured their spot in the FA Cup fifth round last time out with a win against Oxford United, though their Premier League form has slipped, with just two wins in their last five.
Following the cup win, Xhaka took to social media, stating that he will be “back soon,” and Sunderland fans will be eagerly awaiting his return.
Sitting 11th in the standings, Regis Le Bris’ side are still in the European race, but they need to pick up some form ahead of their captain’s return.
Sunderland have slipped as of late
The Black Cats have settled back into Premier League life seamlessly after their eight year stint in the lower tiers, but their form has dipped as of late.
Since the turn of the year, Le Bris’ side have won just twice – on home soil against two struggling sides in Crystal Palace and Burnley.
The 3-0 hammering of Burnley offered a chance to reset after a poor January run, but they soon faltered again, albeit in a tough clash away at league leaders Arsenal.
Then it would be Liverpool who ended Sunderland’s remarkable home run, with Virgil van Dijk’s second-half goal condemning the Black Cats to their first defeat at the Stadium of Light since their final Championship home match against QPR.
With eighth place likely to come with a place in the UEFA Conference League this term, Sunderland do sit just a point away, while they are just four away from seventh-placed Brentford. But their status has changed to outsiders, rather than the potential favourites that they were considered as before the festive period.
With a home clash coming up against Fulham on Sunday, Sunderland need to begin building form ahead of the crucial return of Xhaka.
Granit Xhaka could make the difference in European race
Last summer, Sunderland invested well in both experience and youth, with Xhaka arriving alongside the likes of Nordi Mukiele, Lutsharel Geertruida and Reinildo, who all carry serious experience at the top level of European football.
At the same time, youngsters in the mould of Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra were added, forming a wonderfully balanced squad for Le Bris.
However, there is no doubt that Xhaka is the man who holds this all together.
The Swiss international carries serious experience at the elite level, and his time at Bayer Leverkusen saw him develop into one of the continent’s best, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal as Die Werkself went unbeaten domestically in the 2023-24 campaign.
Since making the move to Wearside, he has become irreplaceable in Sunderland’s engine room – becoming adored by supporters at the same time.
With supreme talents on the ball and immense leadership abilities, Xhaka could be the difference maker as Sunderland look to qualify for Europe. The Black Cats’ job now is to hang in the race until he does return.
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