Cats waiting for results of star’s scan

SUNDERLAND are waiting for the results of a scan to discover the extent of Nathan Broadhead’s hamstring injury.

The in-form forward scored his sixth goal in as many games when he hit the Black Cats’ consolation goal in the midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Arsenal, before limping off shortly before half-time.

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson called the injury ‘a disaster’, with the club already struggling with a lengthy list of casualties.

On-loan Everton man Broadhead has undergone a scan on the problem but no timescale can be put on the injury until the club receives the results.

Johnson’s assistant Jamie McAllister said: “Nathan (below) has been for a scan and we’re waiting for the results. He has pulled his hamstring but we don’t yet know to what extent.

“It was disappointing to lose him the other night – it was a big blow.”

Sunderland had one unnamed player test positive for Covid earlier in the week which ruled them out of the trip to Arsenal, but the club appears to have contained the problem.

“A lot of teams have had games called off [due to Covid outbreaks] but we seem to be doing OK,” said McAllister.

“We’re sticking to the protocols, which is important, and we are in a good place at the moment.

“The lads have to take lateral flow tests every morning as soon as they come in, watched by a member of the medical staff, and all the lads passed again today so that’s all good, so there’s no more than that one case.”

Sunderland could have Leon Dajaku back in the squad for Monday’s trip to Doncaster Rovers after the winger missed out at Arsenal having picked up a knock in the previous game at Ipswich Town last weekend.

McAllister said: “He suffered a contact injury and there was quite a bit of swelling, but he is progressing well and hopefully he will be good to go on Monday.

“We picked up one or two bumps and bruises at Arsenal but nothing serious, and Bailey Wright took one on the cheekbone but he’ll be alright.”