Sunderland injury update shared on Chris Rigg after international withdrawal
Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley believes Chris Rigg’s international withdrawal is not injury-related amid concerns over the midfielder.
Rigg was originally expected to jet off with England’s Under-19’s although he has since withdrawn, leaving many questioning whether he had joined a long list of absentees at Sunderland.
However, Copley eased concerns with a post on X (11 November) claiming that wasn’t the case.
He said: “Understand the withdrawal is not injury-related. Rigg has played a lot of football recently and will be needed for Millwall.
“Sunderland, England and Rigg are all happy with the outcome. Duty of care to the player. Good opportunity for a break and some rest.”
Chris Rigg update is a relief for Sunderland
Regis Le Bris has already had his side dismantled ahead of their clash against Millwall with several players set to miss out.
Yellow cards for Trai Hume and Patrick Roberts against Coventry saw them receive a one-match ban, while injuries to Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle could see the duo out of action until 2025.
Added to the fact that Jobe Bellingham still has a one-game suspension remaining, Rigg’s absence would have been detrimental but thankfully, the withdrawal doesn’t appear injury-related.
Rigg has been excellent for Sunderland so far this campaign, earning Premier League interest as a result of his performances at just 17 years old and with two midfielders already missing, the Black Cats simply cannot afford to lose another one.
Perhaps, the lack of midfield availability could provide an opportunity for Milan Aleksic who is yet to feature for the club since joining in the summer although Le Bris may opt for other options.
In other Sunderland news, Leeds United have been linked with a move for Dennis Cirkin although his latest Instagram post suggests he’s going nowhere.
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