Granit Xhaka has been ruled out of Sunderland’s Premier League clash with West Ham United this afternoon.
The former Arsenal star, who joined the Black Cats from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, has been ever-present in the team this season, starting all 22 of their Premier League matches
The club captain has played the full 90 in all but one of those but will not be involved today.
Xhaka picked up an ankle issue in last weekend’s victory over Crystal Palace, sidelining him this afternoon.
Eliezer Mayenda replaces him in the Sunderland starting XI at the London Stadium.
A statement from Sunderland said: ‘Granit Xhaka has been ruled out of today’s trip to West Ham United.
‘The midfielder sustained an ankle injury in last weekend’s victory over Crystal Palace and is now undergoing a period of rehabilitation at the Academy of Light.’
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Sunderland have been enjoying a sublime campaign back in the top flight but have slipped to ninth after a run of just one win in their last six in a period where the club lost a number of players to the Africa Cup of Nations.
They bounced back with victory over Palace last time out and could climb back into fourth place, albeit temporarily, with a win in the day’s early kick-off.
‘It’s a big difference but we need to stick to plan and hopefully he gets better soon,’ Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey said ahead of kick-off in east London.
‘But for now we have to stick to the plan and win the game.’
