Bailey Wright to return to Sunderland after season ended by injury

Sunderland defender Bailey Wright will miss the rest of the season with injury, although it is not as bad as first feared.

Wright joined Rotherham on loan on January deadline day and was impressing for the Millers despite a tough start that included a concussion.

He limped out of their win over West Brom last week, though, with Rotherham boss Matty Taylor briefing the press that he feared the Australian had suffered a broken leg.

Scans have revealed that is thankfully not the case, although he has suffered ligament damage which may require surgery to fix.

Wright is now expected to return to Sunderland early to start his rehabilitation, and he will not be short of company in the Academy of Light treatment room.

Fellow defenders Aji Alese and Dan Ballard are also out for the rest of the season, as are Ross Stewart, Corry Evans and Elliot Embleton.

Speaking ahead of Sunderland's home game against Birmingham, Mowbray said Wright's injury was a 'bad' one, although he doesn't think it will keep him out long-term.

“Bailey has a protective boot on – we think he’s injured his ankle ligaments quite badly unfortunately,” Mowbray said.

“He’s likely to be out for six to eight weeks, so he won’t play again this season.

“We’d expect Bailey to be back training with us in June.”

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