Share

Sunderland lose Pickford for up to eight weeks

London - Sunderland's promising young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a knee ligament strain, manager David Moyes revealed on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Englishman sustained the injury during his side's 3-1 defeat at Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Initial fears he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, which could have ended his season, have proved unfounded.

"Jordan has good news and bad news," Moyes told a press conference ahead of his side's trip to Burnley on Saturday. "The good news is he hasn't ruptured his ACL. The bad news is he's strained it.

"We're looking at six to eight weeks. It's a major disappointment for him and for us because he's been saving us points."

Sunderland are currently third from bottom in the Premier League table, two points from safety.

An eight-week lay-off would see Pickford miss at least seven league games, as well as Sunderland's FA Cup third-round tie at home to Burnley a week on Saturday.

Italian Vito Mannone, who started the season as Sunderland's first-choice goalkeeper before succumbing to an elbow injury, is expected to deputise.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE