Granit Xhaka injury: Le Bris gives calf update after Chelsea win

Granit Xhaka faces assessment on a calf problem after being forced off in the opening minutes of Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Chelsea.

Régis Le Bris said his captain felt the injury during the final sprint of the warm-up at the Stadium of Light. Xhaka tried to start the match but quickly needed to be replaced, with Jules Ahoka coming on.

The Sunderland head coach could not give a recovery timeframe after the game, leaving the midfielder’s availability beyond the international break uncertain.

“It looks like a calf injury, but we don’t know exactly the timeframe at the minute,” Le Bris said, in comments reported by the Sunderland Echo.

Why did Granit Xhaka come off against Chelsea?

The problem began before kick-off. Xhaka attempted to play through the discomfort, but the early change meant Sunderland had to adjust almost immediately against Xabi Alonso’s side.

Ahoka took over alongside Noah Sadiki in midfield and helped the hosts protect the lead Enzo Le Fée gave them from the penalty spot.

Our Sunderland vs Chelsea player ratings awarded Ahoka an eight for his contribution after being called into action at such short notice.

When will Xhaka return?

There is no confirmed return date. Le Bris identified the calf as the area of concern but did not say how long Xhaka would be unavailable.

His initial comments also did not establish the severity of the injury. A firmer assessment is needed before Sunderland can know whether their captain will be ready when domestic football resumes.

Sunderland respond despite losing their captain

The injury was the setback on an otherwise important afternoon for Sunderland. Le Fée’s penalty secured their second Premier League victory of the season and lifted them off the bottom of the table.

Brian Brobbey won the decisive spot-kick after a challenge from Levi Colwill, while Sunderland’s defensive organisation frustrated Chelsea throughout the second half. Read our full Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea match report.

As The Northern Echo reported, Le Bris welcomed his players’ response to their difficult position but stressed that the result was only a step towards their target of 40 points.

The international break now brings a pause after a demanding run of matches, with Xhaka’s fitness among the issues Sunderland must assess before returning to league action.