Sunderland boss gives update on Evans, Wright and Covid situation

Lee Johnson says he is hopeful that Corry Evans avoided a serious injury after leaving Adams Park on a stretcher in Sunderland's 3-3 draw with Wycombe Wanderers.

The game was delayed for upwards of five minutes after the midfielder collided with Anthony Patterson, the two combining to clear a dangerous long ball down the pitch.

Johnson has not yet been able to see Evans after the game but believes that the initial feedback from the club's physios is encouraging.

Evans will likely be sidelined for a short period as he goes through the concussion protocols, but there is hope that there will not be any long-term damage, though the 31-year-old will be closely monitored in the coming days. "CorryisOK,"Johnsonsaid. "He was knocked out, so we will have to see how we go now intermsoftheconcussionprotocols.Butthere'snofractures, which is good news.

"I haven't seen him yet, but those are reports I'm getting back from the physios. It's a brave challenge. We think it's good news there."

EvansaddstoSunderland's longlistofabsentees,withpositive Covid tests taking it well into double figures.

Johnson does not expect to have any of his injured players back for Lincoln City's visit to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, and so the fate of that game will be dependent on how the Covid-19 situation at the club develops.

Sunderland were only able to play this game because they recalled three loanees, taking them above the required total of 14 players to fulfil the fixture. Johnson hopes that BaileyWrightwillnotbesidelined too much longer through injury, but he is unlikely to return in midweek. "We'll just have to see," Johnson said.

"I don't think we'll have any of our injuries back. Aiden O'Brien could maybe play a part, but we will just have to see.Baileyisinjured,it'snottoo bad but I don’t know whether he'll be involved on Tuesday."

*Sunderland remain interestedinSheffieldUnitedstriker Daniel Jebbison.

The Black Cats, however, are said to be set for ‘disappointment’ in their pursuit of the Sheffield United attacker.

The 18-year-old attended Sunderland’s pre-season win over Hull City at the Stadium of Light in the summer and looked set to sign on loan at Wearside. However, the deal went quiet and Jebbison headed to Burton Albion. However, the Cats are trying to do a deal to bring Jebbison to the Stadium of Light.