Sunderland have been dealt another blow ahead of their crucial clash with Stoke City, with defender Lamine Kone proving a serious doubt for the clash with the Potters due to a hamstring injury.
Add another one to the list
The latest injury to the Ivorian with a tight hamstring, is the latest streak of bad luck for manager David Moyes, with nine first-team player out through injury.
Kone joined fellow defender Jason Denayer on the treatment table in the week, with the Belgian also a serious doubt after picking up a thigh injury while representing the Under-21's.
This leaves the Scotsman down to the bare bones, ahead of their basement battle with Mark Hughes' side, with a point separating the two ahead of Saturday's clash.
Missing out on a golden opportunity
It has been a indifferent start to the season for Kone, which many believe stems down the transfer drama during the summer. It looked set for the 27-year-old to move to Merseyside with Everton, but the Black Cats rejected any offer from the Toffees and Kone admitted his disappointment at the deal falling through.
“I am not holding a grudge. At the time, to tell you the truth I was disappointed because it was a very good opportunity for me," Kone told Foot Mercato. “Everton, they are not a small club. There were other clubs interested too. But it was not concrete like Everton."
He continued, “It was a very good opportunity for me. A golden opportunity. They are playing for the top positions. They could be in Europe.“So it was an interesting challenge for me."
Kone concluded, "At the time, I was disappointed.Despite all of that, today I have dealt with it. It is forgotten. Now, I will continue to attempt to put in good performances.”
Sunderland AFC will take on Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, October 15 with kick-off at 3pm BST.