Sunderland handed double injury boost ahead of Nottingham Forest trip
Sunderland’s chances of taking all three points have been boosted significantly after the latest update from Nottingham Forest.
Sunderland are the underdogs for Saturday’s clash with Forest, though that hasn’t stopped them from picking up eight points after just five Premier League games.
The Black Cats have shown their ability to prove their doubters wrong on several occasions, with an excellent start to the season.
They will be looking to do the same again against Ange Postecoglou‘s side, and after the latest injury news, they will be growing optimistic of their chances of achieving that.
Nottingham Forest duo ruled out of Sunderland clash
Sunderland are not expected to beat Nottingham Forest, but nor were they expected to beat Brentford or West Ham earlier in the season.
However, Postecoglou has since confirmed that both Murillo and Douglas Luiz will be absent from Saturday’s clash, with both stars nursing injury concerns.
Luiz joined the club this summer, whereas Murillo was a crucial component to the success that Forest found last season under recently sacked Nuno Santo.
Nottingham Forest’s Premier League record last season
- 7th place finish
- 19 wins
- 58 goals scored
- 46 goals conceded
- 65 points
As quoted by BBC Sport, Postecoglou said on Luiz’s absence: “Douglas Luiz wasn’t great yesterday, so we have sent him for a scan on his hamstring. He won’t be available this weekend.”
As for Murillo, the Australian added, “Murillo is still not where we want him to be. He’s still not totally comfortable.”
Murillo featured 39 times for Forest last season and quickly established himself as one of their most important players under Santo.
Sunderland must make most of Forest woes
With Forest missing some key players, and also yet to really get started this season, Sunderland need to take advantage this weekend.
The Black Cats are still searching for their first away win of the season, having suffered defeat against Burnley and then secured a point in a goalless draw against Crystal Palace on their last away outing.
Given the feel around Wearside off the back of Sunderland’s well-earned 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, Regis Le Bris’ side have some momentum to take into this weekend’s encounter.
Habib Diarra will be absent for Sunderland, though Le Bris has plenty of options that can help his side secure three vital away points at this stage in the season.
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