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Sunderland have received a big boost ahead of the play-off final on Sunday, as Charlton striker Igor Vetokele is unlikely to be fit.
What’s the word?
Vetokele has missed four out of the last six games for the Addicks, including the last three because of a thigh problem.
And Lee Bowyer’s comments on Friday morning suggest it is unlikely that the striker will return for the big one at Wembley this weekend: “The boys are all looking sharp and fit. We were hoping Igor could be training today, but that looks unlikely,” he said, as reported by The Sunderland Echo.
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Bad news for Taylor
Vetokele is by no means one of League One’s finest goalscorers, but his absence will definitely hurt Bowyer’s side.
The 27 year-old has taken a more prominent role since Karlan Grant left The Valley in January, and has formed an impressive partnership with Lyle Taylor.
The Angolan has mustered five goals and five assists in all competitions, while Taylor has benefitted massively from their partnership, scoring nine and adding three assists in his final ten appearances of the season.
Whenever Taylor is sniffing around there is always danger, but without his partner in crime the Charlton front man should be much easier to nullify.
Josh Parker is likely to start in Vetokele’s place if he is indeed not fit to return, and the 28 year-old has scored just once in 17 appearances as a centre forward this term, so should be much less of a threat to the Black Cats back line.
Make no mistake about it; Vetokele’s absence would make life an awful lot easier for Jack Ross and his defence.