AliousThe Championship’s spotlight turns to the MKM Stadium this Sunday as Hull City prepare to host league leaders Sunderland in a fixture selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports Football. The matchup promises more excitement than last season’s encounter, which was settled by a solitary Jack Clarke strike in the 82nd minute. The stakes are particularly high for both sides – Hull City seeking to topple the current pacesetters, while Sunderland aim to extend their advantage at the summit depending on other results.
However, both teams enter the contest significantly depleted by injuries, with an extensive list of twelve players ruled out across both squads. For Sunderland, Northern Ireland international Dan Ballard’s availability has been ruled out by manager Regis Le Bris, having played only briefly in their recent Middlesbrough clash. The Black Cats’ defensive concerns are further compounded by the continued absence of Ryan Longman and Ajibola Alese, the latter sidelined until late November with an ankle issue.
The attacking department hasn’t escaped unscathed either, with summer acquisition Ian Poveda facing another month on the sidelines after managing just three league appearances since joining as a free agent. Young prospect Eliezer Mayenda remains unavailable, though he could return for either Wednesday’s Luton Town fixture or the following weekend’s Oxford United match.
Hull City’s goalkeeper situation presents an interesting scenario, with Carl Rushworth awaiting an MRI scan on his ankle and Timothee Lo-Tutala also unavailable. However, the presence of Ivor Pandur provides adequate cover between the posts. The Tigers are also missing Abdus Omur, though Tim Walter has indicated he’s nearing a return to fitness.
The injury crisis extends to both teams’ recent signings. Sunderland’s deadline day acquisitions Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi remain absent, with the former not having featured since his loan move from RC Lens. Steven Alzate joins Rushworth in requiring MRI assessment, his for a calf problem, while Andy Smith’s opportunities have been limited by fitness issues since the Plymouth Argyle match early in the season.
Looking further ahead, Niall Huggins, who recently committed his future to Sunderland with a new contract, isn’t expected to return until after the new year as he continues his recovery from a December 2023 knee injury. Hull’s Harvey Cartwright rounds out the extensive injury list, though his absence, like that of their other goalkeeping options, isn’t expected to significantly impact their chances given their depth in that position.
This accumulation of injuries adds an intriguing tactical dimension to what already promised to be a compelling championship encounter between two ambitious sides.
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