Robin Roefs injury rumours escalate ahead of Leeds United vs Sunderland
Sunderland have been dealt a potential injury headache ahead of their trip to Leeds United.
Regis Le Bris‘ side brought an end to their losing run after drawing 1-1 with Bournemouth last time out, but they will be keen to go one better and pick up all three points on Tuesday.
A win would push them back toward the top half of the Premier League table and open up a gap on the clubs below them, meaning there will be plenty on the line at Elland Road.
However, the Mackems may be without first-choice goalkeeper Robin Roefs in a late blow.
- Read more: Sunderland have daunting Elland Road record to overcome vs Leeds, latest injury news won’t help
Sunderland supporters worried about Robin Roefs
Concerning speculation around Roefs‘ fitness first began to circulate on social media on Monday night.
While there has been no official confirmation from the club, an ITK account appeared to have raised doubts over the 23-year-old’s involvement in Yorkshire.
That has been enough to start up the rumour mill, and supporters are starting to worry.
“Feels like we’re between a rock and a hard place tonight,” one X user said.
“Don’t think we get anything from this game by parking the bus, but if Roefs is out and Xhaka is struggling, I can see an ultra-cautious approach being taken. Big test incoming.”
Roefs’ absence would represent an opportunity for back-up Melker Ellborg, who arrived at the Stadium of Light from Malmo in a £3million deal in February.
Ellborg is likely to get the nod between the sticks with Anthony Patterson seemingly having lost Le Bris’ trust, and one supporter is hopeful the 22-year-old will indeed start.
“IF the rumours are accurate about Roefs, it will be a preview of what would be our new keeper next season in Ellborg,” they wrote.
Unsurprisingly, one matchgoer struck a less hopeful tone, declaring a “curse” had been put on the Mackems.
Only time will tell whether Roefs is indeed fit to play, but if he does miss out, the talented Ellborg looks more than ready to step up.
Who else is injured for Leeds trip?
Le Bris revealed during his pre-match press conference that he is unlikely to welcome back any absentees, although last-minute decisions could be made for those with minor issues.
Nordi Mukiele will miss between a fortnight and a month with a calf issue, while the showdown in Leeds will come too soon for Reinildo, who could return against Newcastle.
| Player | Injury | Potential return |
| Romaine Mundle | Thigh | 02/05/26 |
| Jocelin Ta Bi | Ankle/foot | 11/04/26 |
| Nordi Mukiele | Calf/shin/heel | 11/04/26 |
| Brian Brobbey | Groin/hip/pelvic | 11/04/26 |
| Reinildo | Knee | 14/03/26 |
| Dennis Cirkin | Thigh | 14/03/26 |
Brian Brobbey is also sidelined, with Dennis Cirkin and Jocelin Ta Bi joining him on the treatment table.
Ahmed Abdullahi made a scoring return for the U21s on February 23, but is not ready for first-team selection.
Either way, it’s starting to look much harder for the Black Cats.
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