Sunderland’s players are set to return for pre-season training at the end of this month – but not everyone will be available immediately.
Several members of the Black Cats’ squad missed the end of the 2023/24 campaign due to injury setbacks, while some players have been away on international duty and may receive additional time off.
Here are the Sunderland players who have been unavailable, including those away representing their countries, recently and when they are expected to return.
5. Jay Matete
Matete's season ended prematurely after he suffered another knee injury during his loan spell at Oxford. The 23-year-old underwent a minor knee surgery in March but is expected to return to training ahead of pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Jewison Bennette
Bennette picked up an injury during his frustrating loan spell at Greek club Aris FC, where he made just two appearances. The plan was always for the 19-year-old to return to Sunderland for pre-season, while Bennette has said his setback was just a small injury. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Chris Rigg
Rigg played three times for England's under-17s squad during the European Under-17 Championship finals in Cyprus, captaining the side twice. The Sunderland midfielder sustained a minor hip issue towards the end of England's quarter-final defeat against Italy. The teenager will now have some time off before pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Jenson Seelt
Seelt required surgery on a knee injury he sustained against Southampton at the end of March, when it was thought he'd be sidelined for six to nine months. That means the Dutch defender wouldn't return until around October time at the earliest. Given the severity of the setback, it seems unlikely we'll see Seelt play for the first team again this year. Photo: Frank Reid