Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka’s absence was keenly felt as Sunderland succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against West Ham. The midfielder, sidelined due to an ankle injury, watched from the bench while his team struggled in the first half. Despite not being on the pitch, Xhaka expressed his unwavering support for his teammates through social media, emphasizing his commitment to the squad.
Granit Xhaka said: “Not on the pitch today, but always with the team. Trust the boys. I’ll be back soon.”
Xhaka’s injury is expected to keep him out for approximately six weeks, a significant blow to Sunderland, given his influential presence in midfield. During the match, Xhaka was involved in a minor altercation with a West Ham supporter, but the situation was swiftly managed by stewards, and no further action was taken.
Régis Le Bris said: “We played more or less like that against Manchester City, for example, so with probably two more creative midfielders, but we used this set-up during the friendly games at the beginning of the season and I expected a good workflow. I think the team selection is not probably the main point, it’s more about our level during this first half. We can talk about tactics, about the way we defended this side or this side, the way we attack or defend. It was a question of individual level and we were too far from our standards and when it’s the case in this league, you get punished.”
Sunderland’s head coach, Régis Le Bris, remained defiant despite the loss, pointing to previous successful performances with similar tactics. He highlighted the team’s draw against Manchester City as evidence of their potential. However, the absence of Xhaka’s leadership on the field was palpable, as Sunderland struggled to contain West Ham’s early onslaught, conceding three goals in the first half.
Enzo Le Fée, who played in the match, also took to social media, expressing determination to move past the setback. Sunderland’s traveling supporters remained vocal throughout the game, a testament to their unwavering support despite the challenging circumstances.
As Xhaka begins his rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, Sunderland must navigate the coming weeks without one of their key players. The team has shown resilience in their Premier League return, and they will need to draw on that strength as they aim to bounce back from this defeat.
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