“A disheartening setback”: Speakman makes a significant choice during a “frank dialogue” with Sunderland’s star player

The ‘honest conversation’ Kristjaan Speakman had with 23-year-old Sunderland ace

Kristjaan Speakman has explained the ‘honest conversation’ he had with a Sunderland ace following his injury.

Sunderland have been plagued with injuries this season, with Aji Alese, Niall Huggins, Dennis Cirkin, Jenson Seelt, Corry Evans, Elliot Embleton, Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts, Bradley Dack and Nazariy Rusyn all enduring periods on the sidelines.

While the Black Cats have been boosted by the returns of Alese, Dack and Evans after the international break, their concerns elsewhere have only gotten worse.

While it was confirmed by Mike Dodds yesterday that Seelt was facing up to nine months in the treatment room, Sunderland also received the news that Jay Matete was to return early from his loan spell with Oxford United.

The midfielder had looked to battle it out for a place in the first-team during pre-season, before having to undergo knee surgery and managing only one game on the bench in the first half of the campaign.

Matete was then sent to Oxford in January, but managed only six appearances before his injury problems returned.

Speakman’s ‘honest conversation’ with Jay Matete

Sunderland announced yesterday that the 23-year-old would return to the Academy of Light to complete his rehabilitation, before returning to training ahead of pre-season in the summer.

Kristjaan Speakman has now explained the ‘honest conversation’ he had to have with Matete, which will see him have surgery for the second time in a year.

Speaking to the club, the sporting director said: “Jay has had to navigate a really challenging season and after working hard to return to fitness in December, this news comes as a disappointing blow.

“After assessing his injury earlier this week, we had an honest conversation and agreed that immediate surgery provides the best long-term outlook for his progression. It is a testament to Jay’s character that he is already focussed on returning ahead of pre-season and making an impact, and we look forward to supporting him fully in that process.”

It wasn’t long ago that Jay Matete looked set for a fantastic future, having just helped Plymouth Argyle win promotion, just a year after doing the same with the Black Cats.