Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Mon 17 March 2025 8:00, UK

Kristjaan Speakman came in for his fair share of criticism for the lack of transfer activity at Sunderland throughout the winter window.

Sunderland remain in the promotion conversation this season, though it appears as though any success will have to be found via the playoffs.

Their latest 3-0 defeat to Coventry all but ended any hopes of a top-two finish, but it also saw a huge concern emerge in the form of Dennis Cirkin.

Cirkin blow showcases Sunderland shortcoming

Enzo Le Fee was one of only two arrivals in the winter transfer window, with Jayden Danns the other, though the later is still yet to kick a ball on Wearside.

Many fans identified the lack of depth at full back as a concern, though Speakman seemingly opeted against strengthening that department, and it looks as though he is going to regret that decision.

Sunderland’s defeat to Coventry essentially ended their automatic promotion hopes, but it may have also ended Cirkin’s season after the defender was taken off with a perceived hamstring issue.

While the timeline for his injury hasn’t been confirmed, you would suspect that Cirkin could be out for a significant amount of time and with just two months remaining of the season, it could be concerning.

Of course, his absence means that Sunderland now don’t have a replacement, with Niall Huggins and Aji Alese both sidelined.

Sunderland need to find form again

With or without Cirkin, Sunderland need to find a way to get back to the form that saw them competing with those at the top of the table.

For a while now, performance levels have dropped significantly, and with the playoffs pending, momentum will be key to success.

With the international break upon us, this period may be useful to the Black Cats as they look to regroup and go again.