Jenson Seelt: Sunderland defender to have knee surgery and miss up to nine months

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Jenson Seelt will miss all of Sunderland's pre-season as he rehabilitates a serious knee injury

Sunderland defender Jenson Seelt will require an operation to correct a knee injury and faces "six to nine months out" following scans.

The Dutch centre-back, 20, was already ruled out for the remainder of the current campaign with the injury.

However, he will now miss pre-season and at least the first couple of months of 2024-25 in his recovery.

"It was the worst case scenario for Jenson really," interim boss Mike Dodds told 大象传媒 Radio Newcastle.

"I feel for Jenson because just when he was about to get his opportunity this happens, sometimes these things happen for young footballers.

"It's going to be a challenge for him, he seems in a good place and he's processed what has happened but unfortunately it's going to be a prolonged time out for him."

Seelt has made 17 appearances for Sunderland, following his summer move from PSV Eindhoven in his native Netherlands.