Phil Parkinson gives Jordan Willis fitness update as Sunderland make key decision

Willis has had a patella tendon problem for the majority of his time on Wearside, and it has been causing the 26-year-old discomfort in recent weeks during what has been a hectic fixture schedule.

It’s an issue which can be managed through treatment, and Willis has been a regular in the starting XI since his arrival on a free transfer from Coventry City.

However, the injection that Willis will have does require a period of rest afterwards.

As a result, Sunderland have decided to delay that injection until after the clash with MK Dons on November 14th.

Phil Parkinson is set to be short on defensive options for that game, as both Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin will be away on international duty with Northern Ireland.

It is unlikely that the Black Cats will be able to postpone the game against Russell Martin’s side, as three call ups are required to make that decision.

Arbenit Xhemajli, who was the third call up in the last international break, is out for the season with a ACL injury.

As such, Sunderland are going to manage Willis’ workload to ensure he can play against MK Dons.

After the league clash against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night, Sunderland have two cup games that Willis may well have been rested for anyway.

“Jordan needs an injection at some stage,” Parkinson said.

“He's OK to carry on [in the meantime] and so we're going to give him that injection after the MK Dons game.

“We're going to lose Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin for that game due to international call-ups, so over the next couple of weeks we're going to manage his training to ensure he is ready for that one.

“He's fine with that decision, it won't affect the knee and the doctor is happy with that.

“The injection is just something which will help him. He'll need to rest the knee for two or three weeks after the injection, so we will do that after the MK Dons game.

“Jordan has been great, there was no need to put him on the bench today and he was fully understanding.

“He'll come back stronger than ever.”

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