Lee Cattermole’s Sunderland career has been plunged into further doubt after it emerged that the club have taken away his favoured squad number – as he trains with the juniors while the first-team squad step up preparations for the new season in Hong Kong. The Black Cats’ skipper is recovering from a serious knee injury that has ruled him out since March, but his absence from the Barclays Asia Trophy also coincides with the club making it clear to him that he can leave if a suitable offer is made for him. And news that he will not be playing in the number six shirt that he has been wearing since 2010 adds to the feeling that he is being edged out of contention by Paolo Di Canio. It is understood that the decision was made without consulting the player. Cattermole’s colleagues will kick off their Barclays Asia Trophy campaign against Tottenham this morning as Sunderland step up the intensity of their summer programme. The absence of their captain was noteworthy, even if – like Steven Fletcher – he has been missing since March and has work to do to match the fitness of his colleagues. Hull City and Fulham are both interested in Cattermole and a reunion with Steve Bruce, who was responsible for bringing him to the Stadium of Light in the first place, would appear to be the most likely scenario.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 20:25:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015