Patrick Roberts was left out of Sunderland's game against Burnley as a precaution after picking up a knock in training, Tony Mowbray has confirmed. The former Manchester City forward was a surprise absentee when the teamsheet was released before kick-off at the Stadium of Light, with Mowbray making no suggestion of a problem during his media briefing on Thursday.
But Mowbray explained after the match that Roberts' knock is not thought to be a major problem, and he was left out against the Clarets to avoid the risk of making the issue worse and perhaps losing him for an extended period. "I don't think it's anything serious but he wasn't fit and available today," said Mowbray.
"We'll see how the week goes. Historically, I don't think Patrick has played three-game weeks all the time and he has picked up a knock in training and is uncomfortable.
READ MORE: Tony Mowbray's verdict on Burnley defeat and Sunderland's second half struggles
"The decision I had to make was whether it was worth risking him and he might be out for eight to ten weeks, or should we give him a breather in this game and let's give someone else an opportunity."
On-loan Manchester United wideman Amad Diallo came into the side to replace Roberts, and he scored the opening goal of the game - and his first for the Black Cats - as Sunderland took a 2-0 lead into the half-time break. But in the second half Burnley fought back with Nathan Tella, Manuel Benson, Anass Zaroury, and Josh Brownhill, turning the game on its head and earning the Clarets a 4-2 win.
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