Sunderland suffer major injury blow as Granit Xhaka ruled out of West Ham clash | OneFootball

Sunderland have suffered a major setback for their trip to West Ham United, with Granit Xhaka ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury in the win over Crystal Palace, the club said in a statement. It is not thought to be a lengthy absence at this stage.

Régis Le Bris has avoided a like-for-like swap, bringing Eliezer Mayenda into the XI. He looks set to revive the hybrid shape used against Manchester City earlier this year, with Mayenda pushing up and infield to support Brian Brobbey as a second striker.

Mayenda is the only change from the Palace victory. As expected, Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra return to the bench after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Dan Neil is absent amid growing speculation over his future as he enters the final six months of his contract. Sheffield United and Rangers are among the clubs interested, with the latter reportedly leading the race. Le Bris is due to provide an update after the game, and it is understood a minor muscle issue is the primary reason for his omission.

Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Hume, Sadiki, Le Fee, Mundle; Mayenda, Brobbey. Subs: Patterson, Geertruida, Isidor, Cirkin, Talbi, Diarra, O’Nien, Rigg, Adingra.

Source: Sunderland Echo