Sunderland were dealt another cruel injury blow as Ellis Simms hobbled off at Reading with a foot injury. It means the Black Cats are now without a recognised striker at the club with Ross Stewart ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.
Red and white supporters' fears have come to fruition after the club failed to sign a striker in the summer transfer window. Fans had hoped the club would bring in another striker to act as cover in case the two aforementioned forwards suffered from injuries.
It's unclear the extent of Simms' injury but the striker was visibly frustrated having to be withdrawn. The 21-year-old tried to soldier on twice, but could not recover from the knock.
READ MORE: Alex Pritchard on Sunderland players 'stepping up' in Ross Stewart's absence
Elliot Embleton came on as his replacement with Alex Pritchard shifting centrally in a 'false 9' role. Patrick Roberts' first-half double gave the Black Cats the lead at the break, but there's plenty of cause for concern in the long-term.
Tony Mowbray said he was reluctant to bring in any free agents despite the loss of Stewart. “What I think is wise at this moment is to give the team the opportunity, the chance to show we’re a good team with or without (Stewart),” he said.
“We’ve signed four new young players and, at some stage, they need the opportunity to come in and make the squad and try to impact the team. I think they can, so let’s wait and see. They’re a week or two away, in my mind, from coming in and lighting everything up.
"You see flashes from them in training, how fast and direct they are. We’re taking them to all the games to they understand the Championship and what’s required, the demands on the whole team.
"They need opportunities at some stage. They’re young players that we’ve bought, and we’ll give them the chance when it’s right.”
READ NEXT:
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- Tony Mowbray on 'juggernaut' Sunderland, and his reunion with Stuart Harvey on Wearside
- Kristjaan Speakman sets out Sunderland's promotion ambitions, but admits it will take time
- Tony Mowbray backs Ellis Simms to shine during Ross Stewart's injury absence
