Sources: Sunderland handed unexpected Elliot Embleton boost
Sunderland midfielder Elliot Embleton is to undergo an operation on Friday after suffering a broken ankle and ligament damage, sources have told Football Insider.
The 23-year-old suffered the injury during a tackle that earned him a red card in Saturday’s draw with Hull and he was stretchered off and taken to hospital.
It was feared Embleton could miss the rest of the season with the injury.
But sources have told Football Insider that the goalscoring midfielder is set to be out of action for between nine to 12 weeks after the surgery and the player is hopeful of playing again this term.
Embleton had played in all 23 of the Black Cats’ Championship matches this season – despite being named in the starting eleven on just 13 occasions.
The Durham-born ace has filled a number of roles for Tony Mowbray’s side this term, including central midfield, holding midfield, and as a striker – registering two goals and two assists.
He played a key role as Sunderland won promotion back to the second tier last season – notching eight goals and six assists in 38 games.
The former England Under-20 international is under contract at the Stadium of Light until June 2025.
Young Sunderland trio Jay Matete, Abdoullah Ba and Edouard Michut will have their eyes on stepping into the void left by Embleton’s injury layoff.
The Wearside club sit 13th in the Championship after 23 games.
Mowbray and the Black Cats face high-flying Blackburn Rovers on Monday (26 December).
In other news, ex-Premier League referee issues “illegal” Luke O’Nien claim as Sunderland flashpoint analysed.