Mowbray discusses injuries to Seelt and Matete after Sunderland's win over North Carolina

Sunderland concluded their pre-season tour of the US with a 4-2 win v North Carolina.

Goals from Jay Matete, Jack Clarke, Danny Batth, and Patrick Roberts sealed the win, giving Tony Mowbray's side three wins from three games in their pre-season tour of the US.

Sunderland are returning to action against against Mallorca later this month before a game v Hartlepool United concludes their pre-season fixtures.

But the most recent game v Carolina gave Mowbray some fresh injury worries ahead of the new campaign, with Jenson Seelt and Matete both coming off in that game.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, though, Mowbray has played down the seriousness of those injuries.

He said:

“I don’t think it’s anything too serious, I think they’re just knocks.

“Jenson has had an ankle problem, and every time he gets a knock on it, I think it shakes him up a little bit. But I don’t think there’s a major problem there.

“Jay just took a kick. He scored a great goal (against North Carolina) and was full of energy, breaking forward. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Injury was a theme throughout Sunderland's 2022/23 season and so the injuries starting before the new season has already begun could give Mowbray some added concerns ahead of the new season.

But they don't seem too serious and Mowbray dealt with a lengthy injury list last time round, so there's no need to panic.

Seelt looks like a really exciting and versatile player for Sunderland and Matete looks like he could have an important role to play following his impressive loan spell at Plymouth Argyle in the second half of last season.

The pair have two more games left to get match ready before Sunderland open their 2023/24 season v Ipswich Town.

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