Sunderland defender undergoes surgery and has this message for fans

The 22-year-old defender, signed in the summer, suffered ACL damage while on international duty with Kosovo U21s earlier this month.

It was a major blow to Phil Parkinson who was forced back into the transfer market with Dion Sanderson arriving on a season-long loan deal with Xhemajli out for the season.

The defender has now updated fans on his progress having undergone surgery on Tuesday.

Posting on Instagram, Xhemajli wrote: “Thank you all for your support, really appreciate the kind messages.

"Just to inform everyone I had my surgery yesterday and everything went well. Am so disappointed that I won't be able to help the team on the pitch but I will make sure to work hard and return back stronger than ever.

"Arby.”

Xhemajli, who signed for a six-figure compensation fee in the summer, impressed in the early months of his time on Wearside and the news came as a major blow to Phil Parkinson’s plans for the campaign ahead.

“Unfortunately, Arby suffered a very serious knee injury whilst he was away with Kosovo,” Parkinson said earlier this month.

“He will be out for the remainder of the season and it’s a real shame for him because he had settled into the club well.

“We feel for him, but we will give him all the support he needs to get through it, from the medical team and the staff to the players.”

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