Sunderland share ‘definitive’ Jayden Danns injury update ahead of playoff campaign
Sunderland sealed what many thought was a real coup with the loan signing of Jayden Danns, though it hasn’t quite panned out that way.
Sunderland are set for the Championship play-offs after their 0-0 draw with Norwich, though many will be thinking the season could have led to much, much more.
The Black Cats sat at the summit of the Championship at one stage of the season, but injuries among other situations saw them dethroned.
One of those situations involved the winter transfer window, when Danns and Enzo Le Fee were the only arrivals, and the latest update serves as nothing but bad news for the former.
Danns may never play for Sunderland
Danns arrived from Liverpool in the winter with high hopes, though those were quickly shut down when his medical highlighted a back concern that has prevented him from making a single appearance.
Initially, the hope was that Danns would be fit enough to play in the playoffs, but Sunderland have since confirmed that won’t be the case, and that the Liverpool loanee will miss the season.
Speaking via his latest press conference, as quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Regis Le Bris said: “[Danns] won’t play with us this season, it is definitive now.”
Many people highlighted the need for a striker arrival in January, and it seems like Sunderland got it horribly wrong with the addition of Danns.
Sunderland need their squad back to full capacity
If Sunderland are to be successful in the playoffs, having a full squad to choose from will be important.
Romaine Mundle should return for Sunderland around then, with the likes of Dan Ballard also expected to be back.
While form is often crucial to take into the playoffs, an argument can be made for squad fitness being even more important to their chances of promotion.
| Championship | W | D | L | P |
| Sunderland | 21 | 13 | 7 | 76 |
With five games to go, Sunderland quite literally have nothing left to play for given the seven point gap on those above them and the 13 point gap on Bristol City who sit one place below them.
Le Bris will have to decide whether he prioritises his momentum and form or player fitness in the next few weeks as we approach the end of the campaign.