According to journalist Phil Smith, this sidelined Sunderland star could miss the majority of 2024 if his injury is more serious than initially anticipated.
Sunderland’s injury woes continued this week.
Nazariy Rusyn has been ruled out of Saturday’s Championship match against QPR, and there is no timetable for a potential return.
He joins a long list of Sunderland players on the sidelines, including Jenson Seelt, who just suffered an injury.
The club stated that Seelt would miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury suffered in last weekend’s 4-2 loss to Southampton.
Phil Smith says Jenson Seelt could miss bulk of 2024 after knee injury
Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith provided the most recent update on Seelt ahead of Saturday’s match against QPR.
“A really strange one in that he played 90 minutes against Southampton last weekend, didn’t report any issues until the next morning, when his knee was basically completely swollen, spoke with and went to see Sunderland’s physio staff, and they could see right away that there was a fairly serious problem. He went to consult a specialist, who basically verified that he will not be able to play again this season.
“We still don’t know how long he’ll be out since he needs to have more consultations to see whether he needs surgery.
If he does not require surgery, which is the best case scenario, he should be able to return for the preseason.”
Smith added:
“If he does need surgery, and unfortunately that’s still a possibility, then I think he’ll probably be ruled out for much of the rest of the calendar year, which would be a huge blow for such a young player.”
Jenson Seelt’s Sunderland career so far
Seelt, 20, joined Sunderland on a permanent basis from PSV last summer.
He has now made 17 Championship appearances for the Black Cats and has gradually fought his way into the starting lineup.
Seelt has started every game since Mike Dodds replaced Michael Beale, and he was particularly impressive in the 1-0 defeat to Leicester City.
He has demonstrated his ability to play as a right-back or a centre-back.
Mike Dodds facing defender crisis for QPR
As devastating as Seelt’s injury is for him, it is equally sad for the club and Dodds.
Dodds appears to be without a natural centre-back for the match against QPR at the Stadium of Light.
Dan Ballard is injured and will face a late fitness test against QPR, Luke O’Nien is suspended, and Seelt has joined fellow defenders Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Niall Huggins on the injury list.
So, unless Ballard is fit to play against QPR, Dodds faces a serious problem.
Trai Hume appears to be forced to play in the midst of a back-four, with Le Hjelde filling in, leaving both full-back positions available for Timothee Pembele and Callum Styles, who will almost certainly make rare starts.
Kickoff vs QPR is at 3pm.
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