Sunderland get positive update on Joel Lynch after defender suffers injury at Portsmouth

Initial hospital tests have indicated that Joel Lynch has not suffered a serious head injury.
Joel Lynch was stretchered off at Fratton Park on SaturdayJoel Lynch was stretchered off at Fratton Park on Saturday
Joel Lynch was stretchered off at Fratton Park on Saturday

There had been major concern for the 32-year-old on Saturday when he was knocked unconscious in the latter stages of the 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday afternoon.

Lynch had collided with goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin as the pair combined to clear a long ball through the middle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Play continued for a brief period but once the referee brought it to a halt, Lynch immediately received medical attention. He left the ground on a stretcher and was taken to straight to hospital.

He will continue to be closely monitored and undergo tests to determine whether he has suffered any further injuries in the collision.

Phil Parkinson is likely to give a full update on his progress later this week.

Parkinson had confirmed after the game that he had regained consciousness before leaving Fratton Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He was knocked unconscious and has gone to hospital,” Parkinson said.

“We don't really know the extent of his injury yet and we just hope he's alright.

“The centre-forward has just pushed him [into the goalkeeper], there's no need for him to do that.

“It looks like he has suffered a very bad injury and it is a worry when someone is knocked clean out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He had come round and he was conscious before he was stretchered off, which is a positive.”

Sunderland finished the game with ten men and clearly, Parkinson may have to reshuffle his defence for the visit of Ipswich Town.