Nilson Angulo injury clarified after ‘controversial’ Ecuador call-up and planned return to Sunderland | OneFootball

Nilson Angulo’s injury situation has been clarified, with Ecuador head coach Sebastián Beccacece confirming the Sunderland winger will return to Wearside to continue recovery from a muscle tear.

Angulo was a late withdrawal for the 1-0 defeat at Brighton on 14 March, after which Regis Le Bris said the lay-off might be four to six weeks. Despite that, Ecuador initially named him for friendlies against Morocco and the Netherlands, a decision Bolavip labelled surprising and even controversial.

His absence from last weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle, eight days later, was therefore no shock.

Beccacece told reporters on Thursday that Angulo would head back to Sunderland to complete his rehabilitation. Along with midfielder Patrik Mercado of Independiente del Valle, he is expected to depart the national-team camp on Saturday and fly to England.

The coach called the pair significant losses and said the remainder of his squad were fit. The report added Angulo is an undisputed starter for Ecuador when available and a key attacking option.

Source: Sunderland Echo