Sunderland Women boss Mel Reay issues ‘no surprise’ injury verdict
Mel Reay has given an update on the injuries her Sunderland Women have faced in recent weeks.
The Wearsiders completed the re-signing of Grace McCatty earlier in the week, providing additional cover to what has been an injury-ravaged defence.
Reay has already seen injuries to Jessica Brown, Brianna Westrup and Louise Griffiths and has provided an update ahead of their encounter against Bristol City on Sunday, 3 November.
In quotes reported by the Sunderland Echo, on 3 November, Reay said: “I think it’s no surprise that we’ve got a few injuries in our defending unit.
“Jessica will miss this weekend but she will be back at Blackburn. Brianna we’re expecting back after Christmas. Louise has had a bit of a setback, she had an operation in the summer to remove a bone from her knee, and it’s just ongoing so we don’t have a return date for that yet. So it just made sense to bring Grace back for that bit of experience but also cover.”
On the addition of McCatty she added: “It’s a huge addition for us, a much-needed one with the injuries we have. Grace will be straight back in the squad this weekend.”
Sunderland Women need to use the momentum from Derby win
Reay’s side put in an impressive performance against Durham Women, securing a 2-1 win and a vital three points after an otherwise poor start to the season.
Mary McAteer and Eleanor Dale were on the scoresheet for the Black Cats as they ran out winners in the River Wear derby.
It was only their second victory of the season with their other coming against London City Women in a 1-0 home win.
Despite the current injury crisis, the Black Cats have a wealth of ability in their squad and some of their performances haven’t been met with the results they’ve perhaps deserved but Bristol City provides an excellent chance for them to build some momentum.
Reay’s Women had a brilliant season last campaign, just narrowly missing out on promotion but things haven’t quite panned out as many would have expected since.
With plenty of games remaining, Sunderland Women can still achieve success this campaign and momentum and consistency will be key to that.
In other Sunderland news, Leeds defender Pascal Struijk has been “surprised” by what the Black Cats have achieved so far this season.
For more Sunderland news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.