Tony Mowbray explains absence of Sunderland man from FA Cup clash amid transfer speculation | OneFootball

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray insists Bailey Wright’s absence from the game against Fulham was nothing to do with a transfer, as he has a calf strain.

The defender has featured regularly for the Black Cats this season but he has failed to establish himself as a regular starter under the boss.

Therefore, it has been suggested that Wright could be on the move, with Hibs, Aberdeen and Portsmouth all credited with an interest in the Australian international.

That talk intensified online earlier when the 30-year-old wasn’t involved at all as the Black Cats impressed to draw with Premier League Fulham at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Yet, speaking to reporter James Hunter after the game, Mowbray cooled talk of an upcoming exit for the defender, as he revealed a calf problem had kept him out of the squad today.

It remains to be seen whether Wright remains with the Wearside outfit beyond the deadline which is on Tuesday night, with Sunderland’s next league game against Millwall at The Den next week.

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The verdict

It’s fair to say that managers aren’t always too honest with the press when it comes to the transfer window so some will still see Wright’s absence as an indication that he will be on the move.

But, you have to take Mowbray at face value and selling the experienced defender would be a risk because the Black Cats have had bad luck with injuries, so keeping a versatile player makes sense.

Ultimately, we will find out in the coming days whether Wright leaves but either way it promises to be a busy period for Sunderland.