Sunderland legend issues ‘big’ Alex Pritchard verdict after potentially ‘crazy’ injury development
Kevin Phillips has applauded Sunderland manager Alex Neil for not rushing back Alex Pritchard from injury.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said Pritchard, 28, is “such a big player” for the Black Cats he could not be risked.
Pritchard was missing from the Sunderland squad which drew 0-0 at Plymouth on Easter Monday.
The attacking midfielder has only featured once since early March – a 1-0 win over Gillingham on 2 April.
As quoted by the The Northern Echo (17 April), Neil revealed Pritchard was in contention for today’s trip to the south coast.
When asked by Football Insider if it was right not to risk the ex-Crystal Palace man, Phillips said:
“It’s a tough one but if he’s not fully fit the right decision is not to risk him, 100 per cent.
“All the games are big from now until the end of the season but they need him fit for the play-offs, should they get there.
“It’d look a crazy decision if he plays and then gets ruled out for the rest of the season. For that reason I think Alex Neil made the right choice.
“Pritchard is such a big player for Sunderland. He has so much quality. They need him fit for the play-offs. They’re high pressure games and he’s a big-time player.”
Pritchard has contributed four goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this season.
Next up for the Black Cats is the visit of Cambridge United on Saturday.
In other news, a finance guru has issued a ‘£45million’ Sunderland claim as total FFP ‘overhaul’ imminent.