Phillips: ‘Fingers will be pointed’ at Sunderland after ‘serious’ O’Nien injury news
Kevin Phillips has claimed “fingers will be pointed” at Sunderland after Luke O’Nien was ruled out for three to nine months.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said the injury is “a big blow” as the 27-year-old is one of the Black Cats’ most “influential players”.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo (27 November), Lee Johnson confirmed O’Nien would undergo surgery on a long-term shoulder problem.
Johnson revealed the utility man would be sidelined for three to nine months.
O’Nien joins Dennis Cirkin, Aiden McGeady, Denver Hume, Corry Evans, Niall Huggins, and Jordan Willis on the sidelines.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of the news, Phillips said: “There will be fingers pointed.
“I think they wanted to try and get him through the season with the injections. Clearly that has not been possible though. The injury must be more serious than first thought.
“To lose one of their ever-present and influential players is a big blow, especially with a busy festive period coming up. The injuries are mounting up at the moment.
“O’Nien is a leader on the pitch. It is an opportunity for somebody to step in though. It is a real shame for O’Nien. He will be gutted.”
O’Nien has contributed three goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
He has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has tipped Sunderland and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to ‘suffer’ after £119million deal news.