Sunderland have played 35 league games this season – while their young squad has started to look stretched in recent fixtures.
The Black Cats played seven matches in February and have looked jaded during three consecutive defeats against Rotherham, Coventry and Stoke.
Head coach Tony Mowbray has tried to rotate his team at times, but has highlighted a lack of options in certain positions.
So which Sunderland players have featured the most this season?
Here’s how many minutes each Black Cats player has racked up in all competitions:
So which Sunderland players have featured the most this season?
13. Dennis Cirkin - 1600 minutes
It’s been a frustrating few months for the 20-year-old left-back who was sidelined with a hip injury, before suffering a concussion in the game at Millwall. Photo: Frank Reid
Following his move to Sunderland in January 2022, Hume had to wait for his first-team opportunity. The 20-year-old right-back has taken his chance after coming into the side at the end of last year. Photo: Frank Reid
It’s been an encouraging first season for Alese following his summer move from West Ham, with the 22-year-old predominantly playing at left-back. Photo: Frank Reid