‘Sunderland star Chris Rigg suffers crushing new blow’
Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg has had a successful season in the Championship.
Rigg, 17, was selected to represent England in Romania for the Under-19 European Championships this summer, after a successful season at the Stadium of Light.
The youngster has not only impressed Sunderland fans this season, but has also attracted interest from Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
His future at the Stadium of Light is uncertain as Rigg was expected to be watched by several clubs across the summer tournament.
England’s first game takes place against Norway on 14 June at 3 pm; however, an update has been reported on Rigg’s position in the squad.
Rigg withdraws from England after injury
As reported by Alan Nixon (13 June), Rigg is now out of England’s squad for the competition in Romania after suffering an ankle injury.
The injury serves as a major blow for the England side, as he is a key player for the team despite being only 17.
Rigg was exceptional in England’s qualifying matches, scoring the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Portugal, which confirmed their entrance to the tournament.
Sunderland could also be dealt a blow after the news, as they will want Rigg to be fully fit for the start of their Premier League campaign in two months.
| Matches Played | 42 |
| Goal involvements | 5 |
| Chances created | 42 |
Sunderland need to secure Rigg’s future
Sunderland have been incredibly successful at developing youngsters at the Stadium of Light across recent years, one being 18-year-old Tommy Watson, who has now left the Black Cats for Premier League side Brighton.
At just 17, Rigg has become an attractive target for many Premier League sides, especially after featuring in almost all of Sunderland’s Championship games.
After the loss of Jobe Bellingham, Sunderland does not want to deal with any more young departures this summer, and therefore needs to secure the long-term future of Rigg.
It is unlikely Rigg will want to leave the North East this summer, as other Premier League teams are unlikely to offer him significant game time.
The injury update serves as a blow both for England and for Sunderland, as the Black Cats hope to have their youngster back to full fitness before the intense Premier League season begins.