Why Matete has not been recalled amid slump in form
After Sunderland’s recent poor results and lack of midfield options, talk has turned to Jay Matete.
The question Black Cats fans have been asking on socialmediaiswhyMatetewasn’t called back from his loan at Plymouth Argyle after the injurytoCorryEvansinJanuary.
The Sunderland captain will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.
The 32-year-old was forced off with the issue during the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, which has had a knock-on impact, with form dipping off.
Evans had been a key playerforTonyMowbray’ssidethis season, starting 24 Championship fixtures. Now, though, Sunderland’s midfield looks light,withAlexPritchardplaying in an unfamiliar role duringthe5-1lossathometoStoke City.
Matete was loaned to League One side Plymouth during the last window and, following Evans’ injury, fans had speculated that he could be recalled by the Black Cats.
This school of thought has now resurfaced after Sunderland’s poor run of form and lack of midfield options, both intermsofrotationandquality.
However, EFL rules state that the early termination of a loan is only applicable after the expiry of 28 days and with MatetehavingjoinedPlymouth within that time period, Sunderland are were unable to call upon him in January.
EFL rules state: "The EFL will permit clubs to amend standard loan agreements to include an early termination clause where this was omitted from the original agreement.”
Sunderland are next in actionagainstNorwichCityaway from home at Carrow Road in the Championship.