MATTHEWS A DOUBT FOR CUP CLASH
Adam Matthews is a doubt for Sunderland’s FA Cup replay against Walsall tomorrow night.
The right back limped out of the abandoned clash at the Wham Stadium on Saturday afternoon, lasting just 17 minutes before being replaced by Bryan Oviedo.
Ross is hopeful that the injury is not serious and just a consequence of a nasty collision.
His options in that position are limited, with Donald Love a long-term absentee due to injury.
Tom Flanagan is comfortable in that role but has established himself as a vital part of Ross’s formula in the middle of defence.
Denver Hume has impressed when playing on his wrong flank but like Love, he is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
“Adam is just an impact injury at the moment,” Ross said.
“He’s sore just now, we’ll assess it on Sunday and see where he is for Tuesday. Then obviously another important league game next Saturday.”
Accrington Stanley also saw a key figure limp out of the game, with Billy Kee taken off at half time.
However, Ross felt the conditions played no part in the injury Matthews (pictured) picked up, and says it was merely an unfortunate consequence of a good game between two committed sides.
“I don’t think it was anything to do with (conditions),” he said.
“The game was competitive, we saw that.
“Given the conditions, I don’t think any player on any team was reckless in any way. It’s just part of the game.”
Matthews has bounced back from a mixed start to the season and established himself as a key player in the Sunderland side.