Sunderland dealt cruel Tommy Watson injury blow as Le Bris reveals timeline
Regis Le Bris has confirmed the expected timeline before Tommy Watson returns to action for Sunderland after the 18-year-old was taken off with an injury against Bristol City.
A brace scored in Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Stoke signalled Watson’s arrival in senior football having been knocking on the door for several months.
The talented winger showed his outstanding ability that day prior to starting the encounter with Bristol City on 10 December in which he suffered an unfortunate injury and Le Bris provided an update in his latest press conference stating he could be out for two months.
“It should be two months to recover properly, with his ankle and his knee,” the Frenchman explained as quoted by Sunderland AFC News.
“So it was a big impact, he could have scored, but at the time it was not a very strong injury, but afterwards he will be out for two months.
“For sure [it’s a blow]. We need more players on the pitch, he started very well and now he has to wait. It’s part of the journey in his career, to face these problems. Especially in the Championship with massive intensity, big duels… but now he has to recover and it’s not an interesting or positive experience but he has to deal with it.”
Le Bris goes on to admit that “it could have been worse” for the winger.
Tommy Watson injury could pave way for Adil Aouchiche revival at Sunderland
Patrick Roberts was the chosen man to replace Watson on Tuesday night but Adil Aouchiche was introduced later in the game and got the assist for the equalising goal.
With no natural replacement for Watson, given Romaine Mundle’s absence, Aouchiche could begin his redemption ark after what was an impressive cameo against the Robins.
The Frenchman has been frozen out under Le Bris but with so many injuries, it seems silly to count him out from making an impact and no one will want to impress more than him.
In fact, his appearance midweek was only his third of the season but his quick thinking and neat execution for the goal showcased his ability and demonstrated that he can have an impact this season.
Whether that impact remains as a substitute or not remains to be seen but Le Bris simply must start utilising him more often and the rewards may be great.
In other Sunderland news, Patrick Roberts has responded to fan criticism.
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