The Black Cats defender has suffered a serious groin injury on loan at Portsmouth just minutes into his debut appearance
Sunderland defender Aji Alese has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a serious groin injury while on loan at Portsmouth.
The 25-year-old centre-back sustained the problem shortly after coming off the bench during Portsmouth’s defeat to Preston North End last weekend - his debut appearance for the Championship club following his January switch from the Stadium of Light.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has confirmed the injury is likely to end Alese’s campaign. Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United, Mousinho said: “Aji, unfortunately, tore his groin in the game last week against Preston, so he’s most likely out for the rest of the season. I guess we were aware of the risk with Aji having not played for a while. We were willing to take that on, but unfortunately it didn’t work out - he did it pretty early on when he came on against Preston.”
The setback represents another cruel twist in what has been a difficult period for Alese. The defender had not featured for Sunderland in over a year following a serious shoulder issue, having previously been ruled out for an extended spell after breaking his leg in January 2025. After completing his rehabilitation, the move to Fratton Park was designed to provide valuable minutes and a fresh start. Instead, his return to competitive action lasted just a handful of minutes before he was forced back onto the treatment table.
Alese joined Sunderland from West Ham United in July 2022 and made 31 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring once. His early performances underlined his physical presence and versatility across the back line, but injuries have significantly disrupted his momentum in recent seasons. The latest blow leaves his immediate future focused firmly on recovery once again, with Sunderland set to monitor his rehabilitation closely at the Academy of Light ahead of the summer.
Reinildo Mandava previews FA Cup clash at Oxford United
Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava has underlined the importance of the FA Cup ahead of the Black Cats’ fourth-round trip to Oxford United on Sunday.
The competition carries deep significance on Wearside. Sunderland have not lifted the trophy since their famous 1973 triumph, though they reached the final in 1992 and the semi-final in 2004. It remains a tournament that stirs genuine emotion among supporters.
Mandava made clear he fully appreciates that history and the scale of the challenge awaiting Le Bris’ side. “Since I was a kid I watched too much Premier League. FA Cup also. I know it’s a big competition so we will give everything. It’s a tough pitch to play there in Oxford. It will be an intense game. But we are ready to fight, just like every day.”
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The Mozambican also revealed that Régis Le Bris has already addressed the squad about the significance of the tie, particularly given Sunderland’s defeat at the same venue last season. “The manager talked and explained to us how important this cup is for us and the club. We know it will be a hard, hard game, but we will take all of our guns to go there and fight.
“Last season we lost there against them. So we have another opportunity to go and show different things and play to win. That’s why we are working every day, we are working to win [the cup]. That’s why I’m telling you that we go there to give everything because we know the importance of this cup for the team and we’ll keep going and fighting until the end.”
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