Mowbray shares Lynden Gooch injury update

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has provided an injury update on Lynden Gooch ahead of the Black Cats’ Championship clash against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Lowdown: Gooch’s injury

During the first half of the Wearsiders’ 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, the 26-year-old sustained an injury to his foot early on in the game.

Despite carrying on until half-time, the midfielder did not make it back out for the second half, being replaced by Amad Diallo at the interval.

Having started all 14 of the Black Cats’ Championship games so far this season, doubts have arisen over the American’s availability to face Blackburn tomorrow night.

The Latest: Mowbray’s update

Mowbray shared an update on Gooch after the game, revealing that the player’s foot was trampled on, which was causing him severe discomfort.

However, the Sunderland boss was unsure as to the extent of the injury and whether the 26-year-old will be fit in time to play Rovers.

As quoted by Chronicle Live, Mowbray claimed: “I think the lad stood on his foot, really. I think he’s been trampled on, and he was really sore and bruised, and it twisted as well a little bit.

“He tried to carry on but at half-time he was in a lot of discomfort, so we brought him off. Whether he can recover in two or three days [in time to play at Blackburn], we’ll have to wait and see.”

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The Verdict: Hope it’s not too serious

Having made Mowbray’s starting XI for every game during his tenure so far, Gooch’s importance to this Sunderland side is clear to see.

Surprisingly for a wide-playing midfielder, the 26-year-old has averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in the Championship, also contributing 1.9 long balls and 0.6 key passes per match (via WhoScored).

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Having been dubbed a ‘quality’ player by Micky Lough during an appearance on the Wise Men Say podcast, Gooch’s possible absence would come as a blow for Sunderland.

Therefore, the squad will be hoping that he can make a swift recovery in time for tomorrow’s trip to Ewood Park, even if it means naming him among the substitutes initially and possibly throwing him on later if need be.