View: Football can be a cruel, cruel game as Sunderland succumb to injury fate
Sunderland have had their promotion push severely hampered by a series of unfortunate injuries and Chris Rigg appears to be the latest to be sidelined.
The Mackems have had a remarkable first half to the campaign, there isn’t any denying but that it could have been so much better if it wasn’t for a series of daunting injuries with Rigg the latest to be sidelined after an ankle injury sustained in their 2-2 draw away to Blackburn.
Any imminent return to action for the 17-year-old looks rather unlikely given he was pictured with his ankle in a moon boot after the encounter (James Copley on X).
However, it isn’t the first massive blow to be received on Wearside and given the lack of fortune the club have been granted this season, it’s hard to imagine it being the last and it is so, so frustrating not just from a supporter perspective, but from the players as well.
Tommy Watson remains out injured after his withdrawal against Bristol City having only just burst onto the scene with several impressive performances only to have his progress halted by an injury that would see him out for two months.
Football is a cruel game and it seems Sunderland are facing the brunt of that this season.
Sunderland have had no luck this season
While it more than likely isn’t the case, it certainly feels as though the footballing world is against Sunderland achieving promotion this season with a series of refereeing howlers matched with long-term injuries severely affecting the push.
The less said about the standard of refereeing in this country, the better. Although while we are here, it’s about time something changes. Spoiler alert, VAR isn’t the answer.
Although, with that said, to still be in contention for a top-two finish is remarkable and it shows just how much progress the club have made in a relatively short time.
It was only a few years ago the Black Cats were battling it out in the lows of League One, now they’re fighting for a Championship title and it is an upsetting thought to consider where we could actually be if we had any luck at all this season.
In typical Sunderland fashion, this isn’t the only time an injury crisis has ensued on Wearside. Just two seasons ago we were 90 minutes away from a Championship play-off final but injuries once again decided it was time to put a dampener on the spirits.
Everyone will remember that away encounter at Luton Town where Patrick Roberts was part of the defensive back four as the entirety of our defence had been wiped out with injuries. So close yet so far.
Thankfully, so far at least, injuries haven’t had too much of an impact on Sunderland’s ability to push for promotion having lost just three times so far this season but if luck continues to be against us, it’s going to be one serious battle.
The rest of the Championship should be terrified when luck starts to swing in Sunderland’s favour, which surely has to happen soon.
In other Sunderland news, Jobe’s expectations are higher because of one factor, he deserves more credit.
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