Unravelling Sunderland’s Europa League Eligibility Puzzle
Matt Donne takes a closer look at UEFA’s regulations regarding replacements for injured players — can we adapt to cope?
Sunderland's Romaine Mundle's injury and possible Brian Brobbey injury have fans questioning whether they can be replaced in the Europa League squad. According to UEFA's squad rules, outfield players can be replaced during the league phase until matchday 6 if their injury or illness lasts at least 60 days. For Mundle, only Timur Tutierov or Aji Alese could potentially replace him as they meet the HGA (Homegrown Association-Trained) status requirement.
Additionally, if Brobbey is injured, Chemsdine Talbi or Juan Riquelme Angulo could fill in as a temporary replacement. While there are no homegrown players available to replace Brobbey, a HG player could be used as a substitute, though there are limited options in this category. Goalkeepers have different rules; they can be replaced at any time if their injury or illness lasts at least 30 days.
The new goalkeeper does not have to be locally trained, even if the replaced goalkeeper was. With two key players currently injured, Sunderland's squad may change heading into their next European game, though it's unclear if anyone will be officially named as a replacement.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
