Sunderland have confirmed that centre-back Bailey Wright has been ruled out for eight to 12 weeks with an ankle injury that he suffered in the victory over Oxford United on Saturday.

The Black Cats clinched the loan signing of Australian international Wright from Bristol City in January to help bolster their defence and he started very well helping the aide to continue their great defensive run since the turn of the New Year.

In 2020, Sunderland have conceded just four goals as they push towards the automatic promotion places under Phil Parkinson, with Wright helping them to four clean sheets in their last five league games.

In their most recent 1-0 win over the U’s, Wright was forced off in the 84th-minute with an ankle injury as the away side looked to close out the narrow win against the fellow play-off hopefuls.

There was an indication that he was injured and set for a layoff for Sunderland but the club have now confirmed that he is set to be out for eight to 12 weeks, seeing him ruled out until at least the middle of April and potentially beyond then until around the end of the season.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Phil Parkinson reflected on the blow to his defence: “It didn’t look good at the time and further tests have unfortunately confirmed that he will miss eight to 12 weeks.

“It’s a blow for the squad, but more than anything we are disappointed for Bailey because he’s come into the team and played really well. 

“I’m sure he will come back stronger, but as I have mentioned many times before, the lads currently out of the team have been excellent and we have good options available in his absence.”

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The verdict

This is a huge blow for Sunderland as they have seen one of their key defenders and star January additions ruled out for most of the rest of the season.

Wright massively improved the Black Cats’ defence and was a crucial part of why they have been so solid at the back in recent weeks.

They will have to deal without him now until the last few games of the season which is not ideal at all.

With Wright out of contract in the summer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him still seal a permanent deal at the Stadium of Light regardless of this setback.