Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo is currently sidelined through injury.
The winger was an unexpected absentee from the Black Cats’ plans for their Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion on March 14th, and speaking in a post-match press conference in the aftermath of his side’s 1-0 defeat that afternoon, head coach Regis Le Bris explained that “probably for Nilson it [his injury] might last four weeks, six weeks”.
Fast forward eight days, and his omission from Sunderland’s travelling party on Tyneside was no real shock. What was quite surprising, however, was to then see Angulo included in Ecuador’s initial squad list for the current international break.
With friendlies against Morocco and the Netherlands scheduled, national team boss Sebastián Beccacece took the decision to call the 22-year-old up, even in spite of his current fitness status. Cue mild bemusement, both on Wearside and in South America.
What is the latest on Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo’s injury situation?
But as the week has progressed, Angulo’s situation has become quite a bit clearer. On Thursday, Beccacece addressed the media, and confirmed that the attacker would be returning to Sunderland to continue his recovery from a muscle tear. Alongside midfielder Patrik Mercado, who is currently on the books at Independiente del Valle, Angulo is expected to leave Ecuador’s camp on Saturday before jetting back to England.
Reflecting on the absence of the injured duo, Beccacece said: “These are significant losses. The rest are fit and healthy.”
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The question remains, however, as to why the Ecuador boss would give the nod to a talent who was never likely to feature for his side this month anyway. To that end, online outlet Bolavip claim Beccacece’s decision to include Angulo in his squad was “completely surprising”, with the publication even going as far as to label it as a “controversial move”. It is then noted that the head coach has made similar decisions involving several other players in the past as well.
Bolavip go on to state that Angulo is an “undisputed starter” for Ecuador when fit, and “a key attacking option”.
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