Sunderland skipper sends message to fans as Régis Le Bris reveals likely injury absence length ahead of Burnley
Granit Xhaka has sent a message to Sunderland supporters as he continues his recovery from injury ahead of Monday night’s Premier League clash with Burnley.
The Sunderland captain remains sidelined with an ankle issue and is set to miss Monday night’s meeting at the Stadium of Light, with his absence continuing to be felt both on and off the pitch. Xhaka has not featured in recent weeks, depriving head coach Régis Le Bris of one of his most influential figures during a demanding run of Premier League fixtures.
Since arriving on Wearside last summer, Xhaka has quickly established himself as a central figure within the squad. The Switzerland international signed for Sunderland on 30 July 2025 on a three-year contract for a reported initial fee of £13million, rising to £17million with add-ons, following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. He was named captain ahead of the 2025-26 season and went on to score his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw with Everton in November.
As he continues his rehabilitation, Xhaka offered supporters a brief update on his progress via social media, posting from Wearside as he stepped up his recovery work. “Back to work. Comeback loading,” Xhaka wrote, alongside symbols representing strength and patience.
However, despite the positive message, Le Bris has admitted the midfielder is still likely to face another spell on the sidelines, with his return expected to take several more weeks. The Sunderland head coach confirmed that Xhaka is making good progress, but will be reassessed in around a week before the next stage of his rehabilitation is defined. “Yes, he's doing well,” Le Bris said. “He will have another assessment in around one week, and from that point, we'll see where he is to define the next stage of his rehabilitation. So it should take probably three more weeks.”
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
That timeframe would see Xhaka miss not only Monday night’s clash with Burnley, but also the upcoming Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Liverpool, and he is highly likely to be unavailable for Sunderland’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Oxford United. Le Bris acknowledged that Xhaka’s absence leaves a major gap for a newly promoted side adjusting to the demands of the Premier League, particularly given the leadership he provides within the group.
“I think we can't replace Granit, so we have to build a new set-up with a new leadership as well,” Le Bris said. “I think it takes time, but, at the same time, Granit wants to create the conditions for new leaders. So, it's a good period for that. We might struggle a bit, which is normal in the Premier League. It's not just a question of one player missing; it's about the level of the league.
“And we are still a newly promoted side, and so, don't forget this, this perspective is really important. And we have to manage a new set-up without the leader from the first part of the season. And I think we have the potential in that squad, but it takes time. We need experiences, often negative, even if it's not comfortable. But you can react, and you can learn from that point.”
Continue Reading