Sunderland have been hit with a fresh injury setback ahead of their Championship fixture against Preston North End at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.
The Black Cats will be without highly-rated young striker Trey Ogunsuyi, who has picked up a knock in training.
Youngster Misses Out Amid High Expectations
Ogunsuyi, 18, was a surprise omission from Sunderland’s squad in their recent league victory over Cardiff City. Many had expected the forward to feature in the club’s Premier League Cup clash against Burnley’s under-21s on Monday night, but he was absent once again.
A statement released by Sunderland on social media confirmed the reason for his absence, stating that the forward had sustained an injury during training and will be sidelined for the coming weeks.
“Trey Ogunsuyi misses out due to a recent injury picked up in training. The 18-year-old is expected to return in the coming weeks.”
Key Player for the Future
Ogunsuyi has been one of the standout performers for Sunderland’s youth setup this season, netting nine goals in as many appearances in the Premier League 2. His performances have earned him a spot on the senior bench 12 times during the current campaign, most recently against Sheffield Wednesday, but he is yet to make his Championship debut.
The teenager did, however, get his first senior minutes for Sunderland in the FA Cup earlier this year, making a substitute appearance against Stoke City in January.
Interest from Liverpool Looming?
Ogunsuyi’s form has reportedly caught the attention of top clubs, with Premier League leaders Liverpool among the long-term admirers. With the Merseyside club on course to claim their 20th top-flight title, speculation has grown that they could make a move for the Sunderland youngster in the near future.
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris has previously addressed the speculation surrounding Ogunsuyi, suggesting that players must consider their development before making a big move.
“He’s very young, and probably Riggy, Tommy and Jobe are the best examples to follow in our club. When you move to another club with a very strong squad, you have to find the right environment to develop yourself.”
Writer’s View
Ogunsuyi’s injury is a setback, but his progress this season highlights his potential to break into the senior squad. Sunderland will be keen to ensure his development continues in the right environment, especially with growing interest from Premier League clubs.
While a move to a top-tier side is always tempting, the teenager may benefit from regular first-team football at the Stadium of Light before making the leap to a bigger club.
