Phil Parkinson explains Jordan Willis sub after Sunderland defender's recent injury issue

Jordan Willis will be fit to face Lincoln City on Saturday with Phil Parkinson allaying concerns that he had picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Fleetwood.

By Phil Smith

Published 2nd Jan 2020, 06:00 BST

Updated 2nd Jan 2020, 08:53 BST

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Willis was replaced with around 20 minutes to go on Wednesday, with Parkinson throwing on Duncan Watmore as he looked for a way back into the game.

The former Coventry City centre-back has recently had issues with his knee and while that was a factor in the change, Parkinson says it was primarily tactical.

“I was going to take one of the centre backs off in that period and Jordan just looked to be carrying his knee a little bit,” he said.

“The games have come thick and fast, he'd just been booked as well, so that was why we made the decision.”

Willis has been a regular this season since his free transfer, making 26 appearances.

Lincoln City Sunderland Fleetwood Jordan Coventry City