This week Phil Parkinson dropped a bomb on supporters, announcing that Bailey Wright could be out for an extended period of time after picking up an ankle injury against Oxford United on the weekend.
The defender, who is valued at £900k (as per Transfermarkt), damaged ligaments in his ankle, resulting in Alim Ozturk replacing him in the second half.
Parkinson admitted that he has been impressed with Wright since the player arrived on loan from Bristol City in January.
Fans were gutted to hear about the injury after the club announced it on Twitter. They wished him the speediest of recoveries. One fan thinks they should offer the player a contract to join the club permanently, despite being out injured. It is a huge sign of their faith in him.
Wished you a speedy recovery @baileywright92 ??????
— Oluwaseun Bamgboye (@bamgboyeolu) February 17, 2020
Wright has been class
— lee sproat (@sproaty28) February 17, 2020
Gutting for Bailey, he’s been an absolute great asset for the team
— Kylie Bater (@Kylie88Emma) February 17, 2020
Just give @baileywright92 a contract anyways been class!
— Micky Harrison (@Micky_safc) February 17, 2020
Will Bailey Wright still sign permanently for Sunderland?
Yes
No
Others debate the ability of Wright’s replacement, Ozturk. One thinks he will do just fine, however, another thinks he is a downgrade on their injured player.
Alim should fill in fine
— SAFCNP (@SAFCNP) February 17, 2020
Ozturk is a defender who can just defend, Bailey Wright is a good organiser who can also pass a good ball
— Alan Collings (@AlanCollings2) February 17, 2020
What do we think?
There isn’t much Parkinson and the Sunderland fans can do but have faith that their squad depth will carry them until the end of the season. Hopefully, for the player, Wright is able to make a comeback before the end of the season. The fans will be hoping that, at that time, they will be either in a playoff spot or enjoying automatic promotion.