‘I’m not sure…’: Tony Mowbray now issues key player injury update ahead of Sunderland return

Tony Mowbray has offered an injury update for Alex Pritchard ahead of Sunderland’s visit to Birmingham City.

Sunderland could reunite with some of their former teammates this weekend when they go to Birmingham City in the Championship.

It will be Tony Mowbray’s eighth game in command of the Blues, and his first meeting with Sunderland since his dismissal in December.

Since landing to St Andrews, the 60-year-old has three wins, one draw, and three defeats, and he will be anxious to pull one up on the Black Cats after they released him.

While Alex Pritchard is looking forward to an emotional reunion with Sunderland, he may miss out.

The midfielder controversially declined to play in Sunderland’s triumph over Stoke City last month before completing a deal to join Mowbray in the Midlands.

Pritchard made his debut in their defeat to West Brom, but has missed the last two games due to injury.

While Mowbray has stated that the 30-year-old would resume training this week, he may not be risked against Michael Beale’s team.

Following their victory last night, Mowbray stated, “I’m not confident he’ll make the weekend.

“He suffered a calf strain in his first game. I told Alex, ‘You don’t need to rush it. Let’s get his calf straight and bring him back to normal.”

Sunderland may also face former loanee Dion Sanderson, who hopes to return from injury this weekend.

“Dion is back in training on Thursday. “I’m not sure I’m going to throw him right in after only two days of training on Thursday and Friday,” Mowbray added.

Could Pritchard & Mowbray punish us?

I hope Alex Pritchard receives a pleasant welcoming from Sunderland fans this weekend, but I believe many will be content for him not to make his presence known.

The midfielder was one of our finest players before his departure, and it would not be surprising if he scored the winner at St Andrews.

Even in Pritchard’s absence, the conflict will be heightened by Mowbray’s dismissal two months prior. Michael Beale will undoubtedly want to demonstrate why he was the better choice for the Black Cats, but his opponent will want to show us what we have been missing.

It will be a significant game for both teams now, with Sunderland potentially returning to the top six tonight if they defeat Huddersfield Town. Meanwhile, the Blues are six points above the relegation zone.