Huge boost: SAFC handed big lift as early SWFC injury news emerges, Neil will love it - opinion

Sunderland have a couple of massive games ahead of them as the Black Cats are preparing to take on Sheffield Wednesday in two play-off semi-final clashes.

The first showdown is set to take place at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening before Alex Neil takes his side to Yorkshire for the second leg on Monday.

Sunderland’s previous game saw them pick up a 1-0 win over Morecambe on Saturday thanks to a goal from Nathan Broadhead in the tenth minute.

The Wearside club have now not lost a game in the league since their 2-1 defeat against MK Dons back in February during the early days of Neil’s reign in charge of the side.

Looking ahead to the first-leg clash between the two sides aiming to reach the Championship, it seems as though the home side may have been handed an early injury boost that could increase their chances of securing a positive result.

According to Chronicle Live, Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan picked up a muscle injury during the late stages of their recent 4-1 win over Portsmouth.

This could be crucial for the Black Cats with the Owls midfielder proving one of their most influential players so far this term.

With 45 league appearances under his belt in this campaign, the 32-year-old has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists along the way, suggesting that the Yorkshire side will be without a vital attacking presence if his muscle problem keeps him out any longer.

To further highlight his creativity and how much of an attacking danger he is, only Sean McConville has completed more crosses (391) than the Owls captain (287).

Having racked up more minutes for Wednesday than any other player, the midfielder is currently listed as the highest-rated member of Darren Moore’s squad according to WhoScored.

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