Luke O’Nien injury update emerges straight from Wembley on Sunderland star
Sunderland had the worst possible start in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United.
The Black Cats’ Wembley showdown against the Blades was one of their most important in recent history, with a Premier League spot on the line.
£120million was the possible prize for Sunderland as they looked to return to the English top-flight for the first time since 2017.
However, Regis Le Bris was forced to make an early change when Luke O’Nien picked up an injury in the opening minutes.
O’Nien subbed off with dislocated shoulder in play-off final
The Sunderland captain has been crucial to the Black Cats’ season.
The defender started all but one of the Mackems’ matches as they finished fifth in the Championship.
O’Nien was highly praised for what he did after the Coventry victory, and he was hoping to guide Sunderland to another victory over Sheffield United on Saturday.
| Luke O’Nien for Sunderland this season | |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Starts | 44 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Clean Sheets | 17 |
However, just three minutes into the match, the 30-year-old went down after getting a blow in the lead-up to a Kieffer Moore header.
As a result, oxygen had to be administered to the captain before he was taken off for Chris Mepham.
Now, Sky Sports journalist Jonathan Oakes has updated fans on his situation.
He said live on Sky Sports (24 May, 15:31): “It’s a dislocated shoulder for Luke O’Nien, picked up by trying to stop Kieffer Moore score that header.
“Luke’s wife is with him in the changing room where medical staff have been able to put his shoulder back in.”
O’Nien injury was a massive blow for Sunderland
Sunderland already had their backs up against the wall against Sheffield United. However, the loss of O’Nien was a big blow.
The defender showed how well he can keep the backline organised against Coventry as Frank Lampard’s side struggled to break them down.
Hopefully, the captain will be able to celebrate by the day’s end and can look forward to Premier League football next season.
There is still a Tyrese Campbell goal to overturn for that to happen, though.
If anyone in the Sunderland squad deserves promotion, it is the captain who has led them to such a successful year, fingers crossed for a spirited end to the second half.