Lee Johnson press conference: Everything Sunderland boss said on team news, injuries, Covid-19 protocols and Ipswich Town

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Black Cats boss Lee Johnson spoke to the media earlier today and provided injury updates on Corry Evans, Dennis Cirkin, Denver Hume and Lynden Gooch.

Following last weekend’s 2-1 win over Plymouth, Sunderland have climbed back up to third in the table ahead of the game at Portman Road.

The two sides only met last month as late goals from Luke O’Nien and Aiden McGeady saw the Black Cats beat Ipswich 2-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Since then, Town have parted company with manager Paul Cook, with John McGreal taking charge as interim boss.

A large crowd of almost 30,000 fans are expected to attend the match after Ipswich launched their #PackOutPR campaign to provide supporters with ticket offers over the Christmas period.

Catch up with what was said at the Academy of Light:

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RECAP: Lee Johnson’s press conference ahead of Ipswich clash

Key Events

Sunderland will travel to Ipswich this weekend, looking to make it three consecutive League One wins.
Lee Johnson held his pre-match press conference earlier today.
The Black Cats boss provided injury updates on Lynden Gooch, Corry Evans, Dennis Cirkin and Denver Hume
Sunderland moved back up to third in the table with a 2-1 win over Plymouth on Saturday.

Wed, 15 Dec, 2021, 10:30 BST

A double boost

Wed, 15 Dec, 2021, 09:41 BST

Ipswich still looking for a new manager

Ipswich could have a new manager in place by the time they face Sunderland this weekend – but interim boss John McGreal isn’t letting that distract him.

Town recently parted company with Paul Cook and will face Barrow in an FA Cup replay this evening.

When asked by the Ipswich press whether he had thought about leading the side against Sunderland, McGreal replied: “No. I was put in as caretaker/interim for a couple of games.

“All I know is, at this moment in time, I’ve prepped the boys for the game in the FA Cup. That is all I know at this moment in time.

“I never ever get ahead of myself. It’s always game-by-game. The next game just so happens to be an FA Cup replay, so that’s all we’re focussing on.”

Wed, 15 Dec, 2021, 09:37 BST

What the table looks like

Here’s the top of the League One table following Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Plymouth last time out.

Wed, 15 Dec, 2021, 09:35 BST

What’s the latest with injuries?

We should get a further update on Lynden Gooch when Johnson speaks to the media later today.

The winger was forced off with a groin problem against Plymouth on Saturday and could be out for a few weeks depending on the extent of the setback.

Dennis Cirkin could be available again later this month following a hernia operation, while Denver Hume (ankle) and Corry Evans (thigh) could also be in contention before the end of the month.

Luke O’Nien, Aiden McGeady and Niall Huggins will remain sidelined for a sustained period of time.