‘Hisseasoncouldbeover’ -theinsidetrackonJewi
Sunderland winger Jewison Bennette joined Greek
Super League club Aris FC in January - yet it hasn't gone to plan for the teenage winger so far.
Bennette, 19, has made just two league appearances since moving to Greece, while he missed Aris' last three matches after picking up an injury.
"When the loan opportunity came up for Jewi, that was the right decision at that time and you can never predict or foresee the injuries that we have had," said Mike Dodds.
"We have to do the right thing for the long-term future of the football club. We have committed to a number of young footballers and we have to give them the right development pathway to make sure that they develop and grow.
"Jack Clarke wasn't Jack Clarke when he came to the building and what we have done is given him an appropriate development plan that has allowed him to develop.
"Sometimes that development plan might mean that the player needs to go out on loan and we have put that in place for Jewi and hopefully when he comes back, he comes back a better version of himself."
To find out more, we caught up with Greek football expert Stephen Kountourou to ask about Bennette's situation overseas...
SK: "In his first two appearances for Aris, Bennette was encouraging but did not make a huge impact before his injury. Perhaps this was due to him getting used to his teammates and new environment."
SK: "His injury is complicated as it sounds like it could be a muscle tear that is keeping him out. Depending on the severity, it could be a few weeks and at worst even a few months before he can return to playing. By that point the season could already be over."
SK: "While I have not seen manager Akis Mantzios talk about Bennette directly, it is clear that he favours other players in the 19-year-old’s position. The likes of his fellow countryman Alvaro Zamora, Kike Saverio and talented Greek youngster
Michalis Panagidis are all vying for a spot, meaning even if Bennette returns from injury at the end of the season he will probably be fourth choice on the left wing."
SK: "As pessimistic as it sounds, I doubt that Bennette will be a regular starter towards the end of the season – not just because of the players in front of him, but Aris are making a late run for a European place and have a chance to win the Greek Cup, potentially their first major trophy in 54 years. Mantzios will probably favour his form players."