Phil Parkinson has confirmed that Sunderland defender Arbenit Xhemajli is out for the season with a knee injury that he picked up on international duty.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in League One so far this season and face Swindon Town this weekend as they return to action following the international break.
It was a painful period for Xhemajli, though, with his season coming to an end before it really got going in all truth.
Parkinson revealed in his pre-Swindon press conference, as quoted by Chronicle Live:
“Unfortunately, Arby suffered a very serious knee injury whilst he was away with Kosovo.
“He will be out for the remainder of the season and it’s a real shame for him because he had settled into the club well.
“We feel for him, but we will give him all the support he needs to get through it, from the medical team and the staff to the players.”
The defender only joined earlier on in the transfer window after a successful trial period with the club and so it’s naturally a blow for the Black Cats to lose him this early on his time on Wearside.
He’s still a relatively young player, though, so will battle back and the club will help him in doing so.
Now, the Black Cats will need to make plans without him.
