Amad Diallo has been a big player for Sunderland during his loan spell from Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)
Amad Diallo’s ‘body has almost shut down’ during his loan spell at Sunderland from Manchester United, says Black Cats manager Tony Mowbray.
The 20-year-old has been a big part of the Sunderland team this season as they battle for a spot in the Championship play-offs, making 28 league appearances and scoring eight goals.
The Ivory Coast international has made 31 appearances across all competitions this campaign and Mowbray says it is all catching up with him after playing just 17 first team games previously in his career.
The winger is not suffering with a specific injury at the moment, but speaking at the weekend after Diallo missed Sunderland’s win at Norwich, Mowbray said he is struggling physically with the demands of a full season.
‘I had a good chat with Amad yesterday and Wednesday might be too soon for him,’ said Mowbray ahead of Sunderland hosting Sheffield United on Wednesday. ‘I am not sure, but he will definitely be available next weekend.
‘I think 30 odd games from never having a run of three games on the bounce has proved his body has almost shut down.
‘His hamstrings are really sore and tight. There is no tear and there is no damage. He is just in a place where we need to give him a break and check him out of the equation for a week at the most and then he will finish the season strong, I am sure.’
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Sunderland are down in tenth in the Championship but still very much in the play-off hunt, just five points behind Millwall who are currently holding the prized sixth spot.
However, their recent form has not been great, with the win at Norwich their first in five matches after three straight defeats to Rotherham, Coventry and Stoke.
Speaking about Diallo’s loan move earlier this season, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag mentioned that he hoped the winger would improve physically thanks to his spell with the Black Cats.
‘I saw that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football,’ said the Dutchman. ‘I think in many aspects of football, to get stronger physically, mentally, also skills-wise to improve that, to develop that, so that he can have value for us.’
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The 20-year-old is struggling for fitness.