Carl Winchester is set to be sidelined for 'weeks rather than days' - meaning he could potentially miss out on involvement in the play-offs, if Sunderland qualify. The Northern Ireland international defender limped off with a groin injury just 10 minutes into the Black Cats' 5-1 win against Cambridge United at the Stadium of Light last weekend.
He underwent scans in the week to assess the extent of the injury, and boss Alex Neil said the 29-year-old would struggle to play a part in the remainder of the campaign. "It's not particularly good [news]," said Neil. "It's certainly going to be weeks rather than days."
Winchester will play no part in Sunderland's final League One game at Morecambe tomorrow and, should the Black Cats secure a top six finish, the fact that the first legs of the play-off semi-finals take place at the end of next week, with the second legs just three days later, means he would not be ready to play in those games either.
READ MORE: Sunderland are the team to avoid in the play-offs, says Rotherham boss Paul Warne
The play-off final at Wembley takes place in three weeks' time on May 21 and, if Sunderland are involved, that would be the only chance that Winchester has of being involved - and even then it would depend exactly how quickly his injury heals.
While Winchester is set to be out of action for some time, there was better news regarding defender Dennis Cirkin, who has missed the last two games with a calf injury. He is now approaching full fitness and, while he is not expected to play at Morecambe, he could be involved in any potential play-off games.
Neil said: "He's not far away now. He's pain-free, which is good. We just need to step up his preparations now, as much as anything."
With Winchester and Cirkin ruled out against Rotherham in midweek and again tomorrow, Neil has had to rejig his defence, using Lynden Gooch at left wingback and bringing in Trai Hume on the right. He said: "It's been difficult from the get-go, because I've needed to try and compensate for them.
"What naturally happens when a player comes out is that you lose an ingredient, then you add another one, and it's a case of trying to make sure the balance of the team is right for what's coming in the next game. Losing Winnie and Dennis, what they provide for us is natural pace on the sides to get out and defend one-for-one, and when they are not there the other guys bring different strengths to the team."
Sunderland head to Morecambe knowing that a victory would guarantee a play-off place under their own steam, while if they drop points they will be reliant on results elsewhere.
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
