Kimpioka handed fresh injury concern
Sunderland striker Benji Kimpioka is sweating over a fresh hamstring injury – just weeks after joining Torquay United on loan.
The youngster joined the National League promotion chasers on a temporary deal until the end of the season in March and has already featured twice for the Gulls since making the move to Plainmoor.
But his most recent appearance – in the 1-0 win over Wrexham on Easter Monday – was curtailed after just an hour after the striker was forced to withdraw with an injury.
Torquay manager Gary Johnson has now confirmed to Devon Live that it is a hamstring problem, but the exact severity of the issue remains unclear.
It is, however, not the same hamstring which Kimpioka underwent surgery for earlier this season after an injury in an under-23 game with Aston Villa.
Both player and parent club will be hoping that the injury is not a serious one as the Swedish youth international looks to make his mark in what is his first loan spell.
Explaining the decision to allow Kimpioka to leave on a temporary basis, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Benji has missed a significant period of the season and we are delighted that he’s now returned to full fitness.
"We are keen for him to obtain more games in a competitive setting and based upon the point we are at in the season, this is a great opportunity for him.”
Kimpioka is out of contract at the Stadium of Light in the summer, although there is an option to extend his deal by a further year.