Granit Xhaka posts 17-word Sunderland message after injury and West Ham fan incident | OneFootball

Sunderland players posted quickly on social media after the 3-1 defeat at West Ham, with Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée underlining unity. Xhaka, absent through injury, shared a 17-word message: “Not on the pitch today, but always with the team. Trust the boys. I’ll be back soon,”

According to Sunderland Echo, the 33-year-old missed the trip with an ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for around six weeks. He was briefly involved in an exchange with a West Ham supporter behind the dugout, stewards intervened and no further action was taken.

Le Fée, who featured at the London Stadium, said it was a difficult day and that it was back to work. He also thanked the travelling support.

West Ham raced into a three-goal lead before the break, leaving Sunderland chasing the game. Brian Brobbey pulled one back after half-time as the visitors improved.

Head coach Régis Le Bris accepted his side were well below their standards in that first half and said the issues ran beyond team selection. He noted the shape had been used before, including in the draw with Manchester City on New Year’s Day, and felt the key problem was individual level.

Xhaka’s absence will be significant after starting 22 league matches this season, with his rehabilitation under way at the Academy of Light. Le Fée has become central under Le Bris and is expected to play a key role during the midfielder’s spell out, as Sunderland again look to respond.

Source: Sunderland Echo