A forehead dripping with sweat is usually a sign of intense application in sport. An eyelid cut open and seeping blood is further reflection of commitment to the matchday fray. Granit Xhaka, Sunderland’s captain, was furious to have to go off against Newcastle United on Sunday to have a cut eyelid patched up.
He was even more frustrated at having to wait the protocol 30 seconds before being allowed back on. Every second counts for the 33-year-old Xhaka, every second to help Sunderland reach the result they crave.
