Sunderland fans must fear the worst as Brian Brobbey update emerges
Sunderland fans can expect bad news after a new update on Brian Brobbey's recent injury from Dutch media.
Brobbey pulled out of the Netherlands squad for their Nations League fixtures last week with a suspected hamstring injury.
He was forced off in the 35th minute of their 1-1 draw with Germany and has since returned to Wearside for treatment.
The 24-year-old's campaign burst into life shortly before the break as he netted a hat-trick for Sunderland against Man City.
He remains one of the most important players in the Black Cats' squad, but could be facing an extended period on the sidelines with his latest blow.
New reports out of the Netherlands indicate that his recovery will not be completed quickly, which would be a big setback to Sunderland's season.
Dutch doctor claims that Brian Brobbey has a 'very serious' injury
The Netherlands have been hit hard by injuries in this current round of international fixtures.
Former Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, Liverpool star Cody Gakpo and Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke have each joined Brobbey in pulling out of Xavi's squad in the last week.
Dutch outlet Sportnieuws ran a story about the Oranje's persistent fitness issues on Thursday, with former PSV club doctor of 25 years, Cees-Rein van den Hoogenband, seemingly offering an update on Brobbey's injury status.
He said: "It remains, of course, a contact sport. If something happens during a tackle, as it did with Cody, that’s all part of the game. But if you look at Brobbey, he has a very serious hamstring injury. That is a typical example of overuse.”
It is unclear how close he is to the Dutch camp, but talk of the 24-year-old's problem being significant will send shivers down the spine of Sunderland fans.
They could be without their star striker for several weeks, if not months, in a huge blow to Regis Le Bris' plans going forward.
Which clubs are interested in Brobbey?
Brobbey bagged seven goals in 31 appearances for the Black Cats last season, going on to score three times in four games at the World Cup for his country.
His hat-trick against Man City raised more doubts around his long-term future on Wearside, with several Premier League clubs keen on his services.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Tottenham have joined Man United in shortlisting Brobbey ahead of January.
Sunderland have no plans to sell him midway through the campaign, and it remains to be seen how his latest injury affects rumours around his future.