League One

Sunderland: Journalist reveals Luke O’Nien needs shoulder surgery

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Image for Sunderland: Journalist reveals Luke O’Nien needs shoulder surgery

Speaking on The Roar podcast, James Copley has revealed that Luke O’Nien is currently playing through the pain and could do with surgery on his shoulder.

Sunderland kicked off their restarted campaign following the international break with an important and impressive 2-1 victory away to Gillingham, all while being down to 10 men for the final 25 minutes when Elliot Embleton, fresh off the back of signing a new contract, was sent off.

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O’Nien, who has become an important regular since arriving at Sunderland back in 2018, was handed the captain’s armband for Saturday’s victory, and after leading the Black Cats to three points, he may be in line for more praise given he’s currently playing through an injury.

Copley has spoken about what O’Nien is currently playing through.

“I think he still needs a shoulder operation as well. I think they’re monitoring it, Sunderland. My understanding is that he’s sort of playing through that and he could do with surgery, but he’s trying to get through as many games as possible, which I suppose is credit to him.”

TIF Thoughts on O’Nien and Sunderland…

Having someone like O’Nien has and will continue to help Sunderland because of his versatility, as he’s capable of playing in the centre of midfield, as a full-back and also at centre-back, however, he’s featured predominantly in the former role this season, compared to last campaign when he was often deployed as part of the backline.

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An easy one to kick off our quiz on the 2020 summer transfer window in the EFL, which player left Birmingham City to join Borussia Dortmund?

As it stands, the Black Cats are enjoying their best start to a season since being relegated into League One as they’re on course to finish inside the automatic promotion spots if they can keep up this top form, which has seen them lose just twice in the league thus far.

In other news: ‘Lee Johnson’s going to love him’ – Presenter excited about rarely-seen SAFC man with ‘hype’

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