New McNair setback’s a big blow for boss Coleman
Sunderland boss Chris Coleman has revealed that Paddy McNair will be missing for two to three weeks with a groin problem.
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international only returned from the treatment room in last Tuesday night’s 1-0 Championship defeat to relegation rivals Bolton Wanderers.
But he made a big impact on Sunderland’s midfield, and kept his place for the weekend Stadium of Light clash with Middlesbrough, only to be forced off with the groin injury before the interval.
Coleman told safc.com: “We’ll probably lose Paddy for two or three weeks with his groin, which is unfortunate.
“He has that physicality in midfield – he has energy and he’s a very good player – so to lose him, especially in the Championship where that type of player can change your life, is a blow.
Coleman did, however, have positive news on injured pair Ovie Ejaria and Kazenga LuaLua ahead of the tough trip to mid-table Millwall this weekend.
Coleman said: “They have a really good chance.
“It’s hard because there’s a foot of snow outside, so we’ve had to train indoors which is not ideal, as that surface is not really suitable for a lot of our boys.
“Apparently tomorrow isn’t going to be any better, but we think Kaz and Ovie have a really good chance for the weekend. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”